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National Urban League Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Reaffirm Its Support for Diversity in Opportunity In Our Nation's Colleges and Universities

The National Urban League today issued the following statement urging the Supreme Court to reaffirm its support for diversity of educational opportunity as it hears oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin.

“Part of what makes America great is the collective experience and contributions of diverse communities.   What will keep America great in an increasingly global economy is the continued talents of a workforce that appreciates and understands the perspectives of a multi-ethnic, multi-racial world,” said Marc H. Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League.   “Access to higher education with a rich and diverse student body plays a crucial role in fostering this understanding.  We believe, therefore, that institutions of higher learning should be allowed to consider ethnicity among a host of factors in the admissions process.”

The issues surrounding diversity and opportunity for students from different backgrounds speak directly to the mission of the National Urban League and its 98 affiliates throughout the country to promote educational excellence and economic empowerment in underserved communities.    The Urban League considers the Fisher case to be pivotal as it will decide whether qualified students from diverse backgrounds should have access to educational opportunity and a fair chance to achieve their potential.

“It is worth noting that the value of diversity and its benefits have been championed by a who’s who of Fortune 100 businesses, retired military and national defense leaders, universities, religious and civil rights organizations, among others,” said Morial.   “That is why we are hopeful that the Court will once again reaffirm one of our nation’s greatest values by continuing its support for diversity and opportunity in education,” Morial concluded.


Contact: Pamela Rucker Springs
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