Statement on The Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action

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In a message to the SPHHS community on July 5, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Rodmon King addressed the U.S. Supreme Court's latest decision regarding the use of affirmative action in college admissions.

Dear SPHHS Community,

Last week, the Supreme Court rendered its decision in Students for Fair Admission v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admission v. University of North Carolina. This decision ends affirmative action in college admissions. This ruling will have a significant impact on undergraduate and graduate admission processes across higher education. Both former UMass Amherst Chancellor Subbaswamy and University of Massachusetts President Meehan have issued statements reaffirming our deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Former Chancellor Subbaswamy also shared steps that will be taken to continue building an inclusive community and to further our efforts to recruit and graduate diverse classes.

The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) has shared a statement and a case synopsis. SPHHS shares the commitments articulated by Chancellor Subbaswamy, President Meehan, and ASPPH not merely as principles we hold or actions we undertake but as foundational aspects of who we are as a community. It is important that we do not lose sight of the fact that we have the power to create the community that we want to have. I am currently working with Dean Siega-Riz and the department chairs on operationalizing the Equity Action Plans that were submitted to the Office of the Provost. As we approach the start of the next academic year, I will be sharing a variety of DEIB engagement opportunities. I encourage anyone who wishes to collaborate or has a programming idea to contact me directly (rcking [at] umass [dot] edu (subject: ) (rcking[at]umass[dot]edu)).

Finally, I believe it is crucial in moments such as these to acknowledge the impact on members of our community. Some of you may be experiencing a variety of emotions ranging from anger to fear to sadness and beyond. Please be sure to practice self-care and utilize the resources available. Please also take a moment to reach out and check in with other members of our community.

The future will be better than the past or the present because, together, we will make it better.

Best,

Rodmon King, PhD
Assistant Dean for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging