GIA Opposes the Supreme Court Decision Restricting Consideration of Race in College Admissions
By now you have read the Supreme Court’s decision restricting considerations of race in college admissions. Like so many of you, Grantmakers in the Arts is disappointed and appalled by this decision, and joins dozens of our colleagues in opposition. This decision is the most recent manifestation of a long-game strategy by opponents of racial progress. Treating parity interchangeably with equity ignores that - after generations of structural racism - people seek access to opportunities from different places, which must be considered to achieve equality. As with other policies developed to halt racial progress, we will all be negatively impacted by this choice.
The most important thing to do right now is to continue to support racial equity toward justice and liberation. This decision only addresses institutions of higher education, and it is actually quite narrow. You may read the detailed text here. Do not overinterpret the ruling. Instead of focusing on the risk of supporting racial equity, focus on how essential it is. Focus on how we support and protect each other. GIA is grateful that our respected colleagues at ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, Hispanics in Philanthropy, Native Americans in Philanthropy, and others are currently assembling resources for colleagues being threatened for supporting people of color. GIA is eager to share this resource as soon as it is ready for public distribution.
This decision is the result of long-term strategies by opponents of racial progress that supporters must also engage in. Support people of color’s power-building, engage in advocacy for changes to public policies, and grantees’ lobbying. We will make the future we need overtime together.
