The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Releases a Statement Welcoming the U.S. Supreme Court's Decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On July 15, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, by majority vote, issued a statement applauding the Supreme Court's Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin decision, which upholds the University's race-conscious admissions program under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. The full statement can be viewed here: 
http://www.usccr.gov/press/2016/PR_StatementFisher7-20-16.pdf

Because the Court has approved the University of Texas' holistic approach model, other institutions of higher education should similarly craft admissions programs that promote racial diversity among their student bodies. Greater educational opportunity for individuals from a variety of backgrounds benefits not only our college campuses, but also our workplaces and our country as a whole. 

Commission Chair Martin R. Castro stated, "Affirmative action in higher education once again survives the continued assault from those who wish to eliminate opportunity for historically underrepresented minorities. This decision is a victory for all Americans, because we are stronger as a nation when we allow all Americans to fulfill their potential, regardless of race, color, or national origin."

The Commission was proud to have issued a statement in November 2015 in support of the Fifth Circuit Fisher decision, and it will remain focused on issues like these, in hopes that our nation strives to provide access to higher education to students from all walks of life.

The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is an independent, bipartisan agency charged with advising the President and Congress on civil rights matters and issuing a federal civil rights enforcement report. For information about the Commission, please visit http://www.usccr.gov and follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/usccrgov

Media Contact: Brian Walch
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SOURCE U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

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