Statement from LEAD Filipino on the Supreme Court’s Harvard, University of North Carolina Affirmative Action Decision
June 29, 2023
Only a few days following the one-year mark of the historic overturning of Roe v. Wade and continuous maelstrom of anti-LGBTQ legislation proposals nationwide, news of Affirmative Action being struck down by the highest court in our union perniciously reverberates across all American media, news outlets, and communities.
As an organization that grew out of the collective vision of first generation Filipina/x/o college students (and families) that benefited from policies that leveled the playing the field, widened access, and valued our racial and ethnic experiences, we believe that the Supreme Court’s decision is regressive and counter to our principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.”
We promote the ideals of considering the whole person in any context. Under Affirmative Action based policies, this meant that admissions committees would consider one’s accolades and achievements alongside their lived and learned experiences.
“We know that one’s lived and learned experiences are informed by many visible and non-visible factors, such as our socioeconomic status, geographic location, hobbies and interests, cultural heritage, social position, generational experiences, racial and ethnic background, and so much more. Eliminating race and ethnicity in the highly subjective process of college admissions, is an erasure of humanity,” stated Dr. Angelica Cortez, Founder & Executive Director of LEAD Filipino.
“This ruling has major implications for ensuring equitable access and opportunities for preparing young leaders of color to have a fair chance in the growing challenges facing our workforce, communities, and economy,” stated Meredith Curry Nuñez, LEAD Filipino’s Board Chair.
Despite how uncomfortable these dialogues can be, we need to have them. Let us question these realities, engage in discussion, and push for the changes we wish to see.
