California State University Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester, University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D. and California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian made the following statement today (Thursday, June 29) regarding the SCOTUS decision on the use of race in college admissions:
"As leaders of California's public higher education institutions, we are disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision this week to prohibit the use of race in college admissions. The benefits of campus diversity are clear: It leads to higher quality education for all by reflecting a plurality of ideas and perspectives, and it results in increased community benefit when diverse graduates enter the workforce.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values at our institutions. We will continue to support programs and practices that seek to address historical inequities and ensure that our colleges and universities are reflective of California's rich and dynamic diversity. We remain committed to creating educational opportunities for all Californians so that they can reach their full potential and so that all California communities can thrive."
About the California State University
The California State University is the largest system of four-year higher education in the country, with 23 campuses, nearly 460,000 students, and 56,000 faculty and staff. Nearly 40 percent of the CSU's undergraduate students transfer from California Community Colleges. The CSU was created in 1960 with a mission of providing high-quality, affordable education to meet the ever-changing needs of California. With its commitment to quality, opportunity and student success, the CSU is renowned for superb teaching, innovative research and for producing job-ready graduates. Each year, the CSU awards nearly 130,000 degrees. One in every 20 Americans holding a college degree is a graduate of the CSU and our alumni are 4 million strong. Connect with and learn more about the CSU in the CSU NewsCenter.
California Community Colleges
The California Community Colleges is the largest system of higher education in the nation, composed of 73 districts and 116 colleges serving 1.8 million students per year. California community colleges provide career education and workforce training; guaranteed transfer to four-year universities; and degree and certificate pathways. As the state's engine for social and economic mobility, the California Community Colleges supports the Vision for Success, a strategic plan designed to improve student success outcomes, increase transfer rates, and eliminate achievement gaps. For more information, please visit the California Community Colleges website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
University of California
The University of California opened its doors in 1869 with just 10 faculty members and 40 students. Today, the UC system has more than 280,000 students and 227,000 faculty and staff, with 2.0 million alumni living and working around the world.