FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2023

HACU Statement – SCOTUS Decision on Affirmative Action

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) condemns the Supreme Court's decision in the cases of Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. University of North Carolina, which resulted in striking down Affirmative Action programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.

As the leading voice in championing Hispanic success in higher education, HACU recognizes the pivotal role of diversity in strengthening and enriching higher education for all students," said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “This ruling perpetuates the inequities in educational opportunities for Hispanics and other underserved groups.”

HACU joined the Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) brief filed by the American Council on Education, highlighting the importance of a diverse student body for the educational objectives of colleges and universities. The Amicus Curiae emphasized that institutions should be granted the autonomy to exercise their academic judgment in determining the diversity that aligns with their mission.

The negative consequences of this decision will severely impact our 572 Hispanic-Serving Institutions, the 5 million students they educate, and surrounding communities they serve. HACU remains committed to defending diversity and inclusion and will continue its work in advocating for equal opportunities for all students to pursue their educational goals.

About HACU

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C and Sacramento, California.