Message Regarding Today’s Supreme Court Decision

In a Supreme Court decision issued earlier today, justices voted by a 6-3 margin to overturn two cases – Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina – effectively eliminating race-conscious admissions practice for institutions of higher education.

While the consequences of this decision are not clear at this point, it is expected to impact most private and public colleges and universities. Though the Supreme Court’s decision was not a surprise, over the past year the importance of the pending ruling was underscored by numerous legal filings and arguments. Le Moyne was a signatory to an Amicus Brief filed by nearly 60 Catholic institutions in August of 2022.

An excerpt from the brief reads, “Amici respectfully submit this brief to provide the Court with their unique perspective as to why both their academic and religious missions require discretion to consider applicants’ racial identities alongside a variety of other factors in admissions decisions. Amici’s experience demonstrates that racial diversity in student admissions improves educational outcomes and fosters the spiritual development of amici’s students consistent with their Catholic values.”

While the fallout on many fronts is uncertain, one thing is not: Le Moyne remains committed to its long-standing efforts to increase the diversity of our student body in every way. We are buoyed by our recent achievements – including recruiting the most diverse class in the College’s history last fall – and, true to our Jesuit heritage, will continue to nurture an equitable and inclusive environment for all.

Over the coming months, we will continue to monitor this decision and what it may mean for our enrollment efforts. If you would like to learn more, this report by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce provides an excellent overview of the topic.

Linda M. LeMura, Ph.D.
President