EMERGENCY: SCOTUS Affirmative Action Briefing call. The devastating SCOTUS decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions was the result of a concerted effort to prevent future advancements of people of color. It undermines decades of progress and the gains that have been made by Black students and other students of color in accessing higher education.  

Our future depends on Black children having access to high-quality education. America can only thrive when Black America thrives, period. Join us now in calling on colleges and universities to remain unwavering in their efforts to embrace diversity, no matter what, by taking the 4 actions listed below. 

1. Sign our Petition Demanding Equal Opportunity in Education 

2. Share our Petition with your network  

3. Familiarize yourself with our attached Messaging Guide and Talking Points 

4. Watch and share our EMERGENCY: SCOTUS Affirmative Action All Units Briefing recording

• Press Statement: NAACP Condemns SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action 

• Data: Affirmative Action in Education Matters for Equity, Opportunity, and the Nation’s Progress 

• Case Summary: Students For Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College  

• What does the decision actually mean for us? 

  • The Supreme Court holds that Harvard and UNC’s admissions programs violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. It has ruled that colleges and universities can no longer take race into consideration as a specific basis for granting admission, reversing decades of precedent on affirmative action and jeopardizing hard-fought progress for Black students in classrooms.  

• What is NAACP going to do about this major setback? Below you will find a high-level summary of some of the many actions NAACP is taking to ensure fair opportunity and access to education for Black students. 

  • Phase 1: Petition 

    • NAACP is calling on all members, partners, and friends to sign our petition calling on colleges and universities to commit to diversity.  

  • Phase 2: Pledge and Implementation

    • NAACP will work with the top 500 public and top 1,000 private colleges and universities to commit to the Diversity No Matter What pledge and implement long-term strategies that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.

    • NAACP will work with state and local member leaders and partners to track commitment progress by employing the use of data analytics and mapping/tracking mechanisms.

  • Phase 3: Accountability 

    • NAACP will hold higher education institutions accountable through a diversity metric scoring system and continued policy/advocacy efforts on higher education. 

    • We are monitoring the attack on diversity throughout the country and compiling examples but we need your help to be “eyes and ears” in your local community. Please contact the national office at (410)-580-5777 if you hear about legislation, policy, or legal challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.