Supreme Court Affirms Diversity, Equal Opportunity in Fisher

SUPREME COURT AFFIRMS DIVERSITY, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN FISHER

Court decision upholds democratic values

Washington, D.C.  – “Today’s Supreme Court decision in the case of Fisher v. Austin upheld equal opportunity in education for all Americans,” said Elisabeth MacNamara, President of the League of Women Voters of the U.S. “The Fisher decision affirmed the value of racial and ethnic diversity in educational settings but did instruct the lower court to rehear the case under the strict legal standard that has been in place for decades.”

“The League is pleased that the Supreme Court recognized that increasing racial and ethnic diversity in educational settings is critical to our nation’s democratic institutions,” said MacNamara. “Equality of opportunity is vital if we are to remain an open governmental system that is representative, accountable, and responsive and that assures opportunities for citizen participation in government decision making.”

“All students benefit when people from different backgrounds and perspectives learn and work together. Civic and political participation gain when students experience diversity in education,” MacNamara said. 

“Every citizen should have the opportunity to fully and productively participate in American society, from the school room to the ballot box,” concluded MacNamara. “The Fisher decision maintains that hope for all Americans.”

The League joined the Brennan Center for Justice in submitting an amicus brief in Fisher v. Austin.

Contact Kelly Ceballos at [email protected] to find out more or to schedule an interview.

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