AACN Statement on the Supreme Court Decision Against Race-Conscious Admissions

Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admissions practices used at Harvard and the University of North Carolina were unconstitutional, violating the Equal Protection Clause of the 14^th Amendment. The 6-3 decision has reversed decades of progress to ensure equal access to education for all. Removal of racial considerations oppresses people of color and puts the onus on colleges to develop race-neutral programs that advance diversity.

"The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) joins with the larger higher education community in denouncing this decision, which threatens the creation of more diverse and inclusive learning environments,” said Dr. Deborah Trautman, AACN President and Chief Executive Officer. “AACN reaffirms our commitment to serving as a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, while recognizing the importance of a diverse nursing workforce to reducing health disparities, addressing social determinants of health, and improving patient outcomes. We stand with our schools of nursing and will work diligently to identify strategies, to ensure our student populations reflect the broad diversity of our society."

AACN is planning a webinar on how to structure a holistic admissions process and other student recruitment strategies that will not violate the new restrictions. We will not let today’s Supreme Court decision stop us from creating a more diverse nursing workforce, which is essential to meeting our nation’s healthcare needs.
 
To read more about the Supreme Court decision, see: 

• Chronicle of Higher Education
• Inside Higher Ed 
• Diverse Issues in Higher Education
• National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education (NADOHE)

To explore how this decision may impact the future of college admissions, see:

• NADOHE Resources on Race in Admissions
• Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce: Race-Conscious Affirmative Action: What’s Next
• American Council on Education Webinar on the Supreme Court's Ruling on Race and Admissions - Thursday, July 6 at 1:00 PM
  Register now and hear how this landmark decision will impact the future of diversity, inclusion, access, and opportunity in higher education. Register via Zoom here, and plan to submit your questions or engage in the live chat during the event or by tweeting @ACEducation.