Statement from Interim President Durand on Supreme Court Decision on Race-Conscious Admissions

The following is a statement from Buffalo State Interim President Bonita R. Durand, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on race-conscious admissions cases:

“I echo the sentiment of the SUNY Board of Trustees and Chancellor John King, who noted, ‘Race-conscious admissions policies have enriched our institutions and our nation.… At SUNY, our resolve to provide opportunity for all has never been stronger.’

“At Buffalo State University, we steadfastly believe diversity makes us a stronger community as we look to prepare students to live, work, and serve our communities in a global society. Today’s Supreme Court decision is disappointing, but our commitment at Buffalo State University to advance, support, and celebrate inclusive excellence and diversity is resolute.”

The full statement from the SUNY Board of Trustees and Chancellor John B. King Jr. appears below:

“Today, the US Supreme Court attempted to pull our nation backwards in the journey toward equity and civil rights with an egregious ruling that will have serious impacts on students and families seeking the American dream of opportunity through higher education.

“Race-conscious admissions policies have enriched our institutions and our nation. Yet despite the existence of race-conscious admissions policies, Black and Latino students, along with other groups, are still underrepresented across institutions of higher education as students, faculty members, and administrators. Today’s decision threatens to undermine what progress has been made, by throwing up roadblocks and barriers when what’s needed are better paths and bridges. As Justice Sotomayor wrote in dissent: ‘The Court subverts the constitutional guarantee of equal protection by further entrenching racial inequality in education, the very foundation of our democratic government and pluralistic society.’

“At SUNY, our resolve to provide opportunity for all has never been stronger. The commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion will continue to be a factor in every goal we pursue, every program we create, every policy we promulgate, and every decision we make.

“On behalf of the students we serve; the faculty and staff who make SUNY a place of excellence; and the communities and employers that rely on SUNY’s diversity for their own success, we know that no court ruling—however misguided—can shake our understanding that our pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion, within the law, will always be integral to ensuring that SUNY is the best public system of higher education in the country.”