SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A step backwards.
That’s how the Illinois Board of Higher Education is reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision Thursday to strike down affirmative action at colleges and universities.
“We should be ramping up equity efforts across the nation,” said Jesse Garcia, spokesperson. “Here in Illinois, we’re going to be working with our colleagues in universities to make sure we maintain our equitable admission practices and processes, and make them more equitable wherever we see room for improvement.”
Garcia says equity gaps still need to be closed, regardless of what the Supreme Court says.
Peoria State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth says she’s “incredibly troubled” by the ruling she claims will result in “systemic inequities.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker put out his own statement, claiming the ruling rolls back 45 years of legal precedent increasing racial equity.
“This ruling is an attack on people of color, particularly Black people, who face discrimination through multiple facets of American society. Affirmative action already was not a robust solution – it was merely a tool that intended to chip away at an enormous obstacle. It is disheartening to know that there are people intent on stifling racial equity at a time when we should all be working together to break down barriers because that is the right thing to do. A college education is one of the leading predictors for getting out of poverty, and this decision by the Supreme Court will negatively impact people of color seeking economic mobility – something that already seems out of reach – for generations to come.
“The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) and our colleges and universities are committed to continue fighting to close equity gaps for Black, Latino, low-income, working adults and rural students, and we will continue working to make college more affordable. Our work toward an equitable higher education system will continue unabated because diverse and inclusive campuses and student bodies are critical to developing a well-rounded understanding of the world we live in and those with whom we share it. And we will continue to champion equity in the state’s higher education system because it is essential to Illinois’ economic growth.” — Illinois Board of Higher Education
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“I’m incredibly troubled by today’s decision by this Supreme Court that will reinforce systemic inequities, limit opportunity and hurt countless individuals. In the days ahead, we’ll be taking a close look at the potential impact on Illinois colleges and universities. It’s critical that we do what we can to preserve college access for marginalized populations that deserve the full opportunity to pursue the career and life that they want.” — State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria)
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“As the state’s college access and financial aid agency, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) works every day with students and families of color, first generation students, rural students, and low-income students. Many of these students face significant obstacles to higher education—obstacles that can stem from lack of college-going experience, financial pressures, and racial discrimination. None of these obstacles exist in a vacuum. They can create a cycle that disadvantages students with talent and promise who must often work much harder just to gain access to a college education. A diverse community in higher education benefits all of us.
“Our colleagues at the state’s colleges and universities have their work cut out for them as they react to today’s ruling. We know that regardless of this decision, they will work to ensure access and to promote equity and opportunity for Illinois students from all backgrounds, all ZIP codes, and, indeed, students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. For over six decades, ISAC’s mission has focused on making education beyond high school accessible and affordable for all students, and we will not waver in our commitment. ISAC will continue to support students and families statewide, through the Monetary Award Program for students with financial need, outreach programming designed to support all students, including those who would be the first in their families to get a college degree, and other free resources to help ensure that every student gets the opportunities they deserve.” — Illinois Student Assistance Commission
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“For decades, affirmative action helped chip away at systemic barriers and discrimination against students of color in our education system’s college admissions process. Let’s be clear: colorblindness has never been a true friend of fairness—it ignores our history and perpetuates discrimination. In ending affirmative action, today’s misguided ruling from the far-right, ultra-conservative Supreme Court is a devastating blow to progress, equity and equality for all. In every facet of our society, diversity always makes us stronger—and I’ll continue to do everything I can to help expand opportunities and make sure every American has a fair shot at accessing higher education.” — Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)
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“The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Affirmative Action is a travesty — reversing nearly 45 years of precedent that advances equity throughout our country’s higher education institutions.“The damage caused to Black communities by slavery and Jim Crow Laws, to Hispanics and Native Americans by a legacy of discrimination and oppression has not nearly been reversed. For centuries, students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities were locked out of higher education — preventing upward mobility and stunting economic development for generations to come. Affirmative action admissions practices were a critical step towards creating educational environments that are representative of our diverse nation, while righting the wrongs of our past.
“This decision only sets us back.
“But here in the Land of Lincoln and Obama, we will continue to uplift our students of color — promoting inclusion and expanding access through record-levels of funding for higher education institutions and our MAP Grant Program, so that every student has the opportunity to earn a degree.
“To students of color throughout the Land of Lincoln and the entire United States: you belong in our institutions. And no archaic ruling will ever change that.” — Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL)
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