Dear AU Community,

Over the last 48 hours, the US Supreme Court issued three decisions that negatively impact the students, faculty, staff, and alumni in our community and our work to advance inclusive excellence at American University. The rulings limiting the use of race in university admissions, invalidating the proposed student loan debt forgiveness program, and reducing anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people directly impede our efforts to build and foster a diverse and vibrant AU community, the ability of our graduates to pursue their passions, and other aspects of the lives of our community members. These judicial outcomes are more than disappointing, they set back the critical pursuit of a more just and inclusive society.

Yesterday’s decision that declared admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina unconstitutional imposes further restrictions on how colleges and universities consider race in the admissions process. We have been paying close attention to these cases over the last year. Initial analysis of yesterday’s Supreme Court opinion indicates many of the previous methods for incorporating race as one of numerous factors in a holistic admissions process are no longer permitted. We will continue to review the decision, consult with experts on our own campus and nationally, and develop our future plans for admissions programs. Upcoming guidance from the Department of Education on admissions processes in the wake of the court’s decision will also inform this work.

Although the Supreme Court’s decisions will likely change how we approach our work, our commitment to our values of inclusive excellence and human dignity, and to each other as members of this special community, will not waver. Our inclusive excellence agenda is clear–to address these cross-cutting issues in holistic ways that support our community, advance our mission, and embody our values.

In her dissenting opinion to yesterday’s affirmative action ruling, Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote, “…race still matters to the lived experiences of all Americans in innumerable ways, and today’s ruling makes things worse, not better.” I agree with this sentiment, and our ongoing and steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence at AU will help us address these important matters in our community.

As our assessment of the full impact of the court rulings continues, we will meet with stakeholders, including those most directly impacted by the decisions, and draw on expertise within our community and beyond to inform our understanding about how these affect our admissions, enrollment, and retention policies and procedures and belonging for our community members of color, our LGBTQ+ community members, and others who are impacted, directly or indirectly, by these decisions. Our work will be thorough, our dialogue will be robust, we will listen to one another, and we will collaborate on solutions. As more information becomes available and we develop our next steps, we will regularly communicate and engage with the community.

Addressing these court decisions, and our actions, will always be grounded in our values and beliefs and supporting the members of our community to the greatest extent possible. Nothing in these decisions can or will change who we are as a community or the values we cherish. While I would normally conclude by wishing you a happy and safe 4^th of July holiday (and still do hope you have an enjoyable and fulfilling holiday), I will also close with our resolute commitment to you that American University will carry our values forward and stand together in our support for each other.

Sincerely,

Sylvia