WASHINGTON — Today, League of Women Voters of the United States President Dr. Deborah Turner issued the following statement after the Supreme Court struck down race-conscious admissions policies at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, severely limiting how institutions of higher education can consider race in admissions decisions.
“For far too long, Black students and other students of color have been excluded and underrepresented within our higher education system. Today’s Supreme Court ruling reverses the decades-long precedent that upholds the constitutionality of higher education institutions considering the whole person, including race, in admission decisions. A student body that is reflective of our society — one that includes more representation of people of color within systems, structures, and institutions — benefits all students and society as a whole. Today’s devastating ruling will lead to less racially diverse student bodies, further disenfranchise people of color, and harm our democracy.”
Read more about this case on LWV's Legal Center.
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Like the legislative and executive branches, the Supreme Court of the US is subject to checks and balances. These restrictions are part of the United States Constitution and may be exercised by elected branches with the political will to do so. The Court may act, but its fellow branches may respond.
This blog, the first of a three-part series, will discuss the Supreme Court’s powers under the constitution, Congress’ power to check the Court, and the history of Congress’ use of these powers.
The US Supreme Court rejected the dangerous “independent state legislature” theory presented in the Moore v. Harper case from North Carolina, which relates to a similar League case in Utah.
PROVIDENCE — Last week, litigation filed by Rhode Island students seeking to establish a constitutional right to a civics education ended with an agreement that both sides agree will strengthen civics education in the state. The League of Women Voters of the United States and the League of Women Voters of Rhode Island filed an amicus brief in the case — Cook v. McKee — highlighting the powerful connection between civics education and voter participation.
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