Leaders of SIU say they are very concerned this week’s decision by the Supreme Court to end affirmative action “may embolden critics of diversity and reverse generations of progress at colleges, universities and the nation.”

In a statement, SIU System President Dan Mahony and others said the high court had long held that race may be “considered for college admissions based on a ‘compelling interest’ of fostering a diverse student body on college campuses which enhance the educational experience.”

The Supreme Court issued its repeal Monday in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina, twin cases that sought the prohibition of limited consideration of an applicant’s racial or ethnic background in the higher education admissions process.

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SIU Chancellor Austin Lane said in a statement, “While the SIU System does not use race as a factor in undergraduate admissions decisions, our campus leaders are deeply concerned about the court’s decision.”

The recent decision regarding race-based admissions has no impact on Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Lane said.

“Students of all races and nationalities are admitted based on their GPA only. We are proud to be one of the most diverse campuses in the state of Illinois and the country,” he said.

Mahoney said, “Despite this decision, the impact of which will continue to unfold, our goal will be to work within all legal limits to ensure our campuses are able to advance all mission-based…goals and to promote the ideal that educational excellence depends on having institutions that condemn racism, promote diversity and inclusion and equitably focus on giving all students the tools they need to succeed in their college experience and beyond.”

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