Response to the Supreme Court’s Decision on Affirmative Action in Admissions

Dear Campus Community,

By now, many of you have likely seen the news that the Supreme Court has issued a ruling in two cases—Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina—reversing decades of precedent regarding the use of race and ethnicity as a factor in university admissions programs. The decision by the court is disappointing, but not unexpected.

As an institution, Puget Sound is committed to cultivating a diverse community of learners, enabling students to be exposed to viewpoints, perspectives, and experiences that are different from their own. This exchange of knowledge and ideas is at the heart of a well-rounded liberal arts education. One of the ways we have worked to create a diverse student body is through a holistic admissions process.

I believe that we are stronger when we have the chance to build relationships with and learn from people who are different from ourselves. For this reason, last month I signed an open letter with many other college presidents who are members of the Liberal Arts Colleges Racial Equity Leadership Alliance (LACRELA) urging the Supreme Court to uphold the longstanding precedent allowing colleges and universities to consider race and ethnicity in recruiting students. Today’s ruling makes that work harder, but not impossible.

We will adhere to the law as interpreted by our nation’s highest court. We will also continue to be driven by our mission and guided by our values to recognize and support the ability of every student to have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential through a Puget Sound education. Despite today’s ruling, our commitment to admitting, supporting, retaining, and graduating a diverse student body is resolute.

Sincerely,