Joint Statement on Supreme Court Decision to Strike Down Affirmative Action in College Admissions
Top Environmental Groups Weigh in on Supreme Court Cases Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina
Washington, DC—Today, seven top environmental organizations released a joint statement following the Supreme Court’s decision on the future of affirmative action programs in college admissions. These groups include Green 2.0, Union of Concerned Scientists, National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace USA, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), The Nature Conservancy, and League of Conservation Voters.
“As environmental organizations who value diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), we are deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action programs in college admissions. These efforts have been invaluable and provably effective at increasing higher education opportunities for races, ethnicities, classes, and other identities historically shut out of the system. Equitable access to education is critical for young people who are the future of our movement and the next generation of environmental leaders.
“We stand united in support of inclusive practices to increase racial, ethnic, gender, and economic equity in schools and our own workplaces. That’s why we have invested in paid internships, fellowships, programs, and pathways for young people of color to thrive in higher education and future careers.
“Diversity and equity–both on college campuses and in organizations like ours–are good for all of us and for our environment. We cannot confront the climate crisis and protect the earth without lifting up diverse future environmental leaders and including the voices of communities of color on the frontlines of climate change. We will not let this decision undo the vital progress we’ve made so far or slow the momentum for a stronger and more equitable environmental movement.”
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.