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SHPE on the Hill

SHPE Statement on SCOTUS Ruling Against Affirmative Action

  • SHPE Statement on SCOTUS Ruling Against Affirmative Action
  • SHPE

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City of Industry, CA – SHPE firmly disagrees with the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action and its impact on our vision of inclusivity and opportunity. As the largest organization in the U.S. of Hispanic students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), SHPE strongly believes that diversity and inclusion in our domestic STEM workforce can only make our country stronger. We are deeply disappointed by this ruling, which poses a burden on building an equitable society and promoting educational and economic mobility for underrepresented generations.

When the U.S. Supreme Court struck down affirmative action admission policies of Harvard and University of North Carolina and deemed them as unconstitutional, decades of progress in diversifying higher education institutions by removing race, as one of many determinant factors, in the college admissions process was undone. This decision undermines college admission policies that aimed to level the playing field for qualified students of color, including Hispanics, when seeking a formal education.

Affirmative action has been instrumental in breaking down persistent barriers and providing equal opportunities for often overlooked communities pursuing higher education. It has embraced the essence of fairness and inclusivity for over four decades. At its core, affirmative action harnessed belonging for students on college campuses.

SHPE remains committed to our mission of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion for all our members. We will continue to advocate for policies that ensure fairness and create pathways for Hispanic students and others who are underrepresented to thrive in all STEM fields nationwide. While this decision sends a disheartening message to students dreaming of a brighter future with equal opportunities, SHPE stands resolute in expanding our reach and making a lasting impact.

ABOUT SHPE

SHPE (Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers) is a nonprofit organization serving and advancing Hispanics in STEM. With more than 13,000 student and professional members, SHPE’s mission is to change lives by empowering the Hispanic community to realize its fullest potential and to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development. To accomplish this, SHPE provides a variety of programming, services, resources, and events, including hosting the largest Hispanic STEM convention in the nation.  For more information, visit http://shpe.org.