Statement from St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. The University of North Carolina and
SFFA v. Harvard
St. Mary’s College of Maryland remains committed to diversity, access and affordability as part of our mission to provide a rigorous and fulfilling educational experience. This commitment includes creating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive environment for all students, faculty and staff, regardless of background.
The College’s initial analysis of today’s Supreme Court decision regarding affirmative action policies in college admissions does not point to any change in our current admissions process. In conjunction with the College’s counsel in the Office of the Attorney General, we will of course ensure we are fully compliant with federal and state law and regulations.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor spoke the truth in her statement that “equal educational opportunity is a prerequisite to achieving racial equality in our Nation.” We also agree with Chief Justice John Roberts, whose majority opinion stated, “nothing in this opinion should be construed as prohibiting universities from considering an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.”
Our commitment to diversity, access and affordability is rooted in the belief that this ultimately benefits all students; and today’s decision does not change or invalidate that commitment.
