Duquesne University is disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in SFFA v. Harvard/UNC, which overturned the nearly half-century-old ruling in Regents v. Bakke (1978) that recognized the value of thoughtful affirmative action type programs in enriching the educational environment on college and university campuses across the nation.
Nonetheless, the University respects the decisions of the Supreme Court as an essential part of our democratic system. Moreover, the Court’s ruling that the explicit consideration of race in the admissions process is unconstitutional will not affect our long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of our University’s foundational principles and mission.
Duquesne will remain dedicated to reviewing each potential student’s application by focusing on a range of factors, apart from race, that contribute to identifying students of all backgrounds who will succeed at Duquesne and become the next generation of leaders. Our commitment to attracting and creating a diverse and inclusive student body remains unwavering, despite the shifting winds of legal precedent. We believe that diversity and inclusion is not just about admission policies; it also significantly informs our efforts to foster a welcoming and supportive educational environment for all members of the campus community.
Just as the Spiritan Congregation opened its doors to recent immigrants and their families who wished to advance themselves through education – when our institution was founded in 1878 – Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit remains committed to advancing the opportunities of all students, from a rich array of backgrounds, as we forge a new era of this special University’s history.
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