Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling: Here's what Kentucky universities say
Kentucky universities defiantly said that they remain committed to maintaining diverse student bodies despite Thursday's Supreme Court decision barring the consideration of race in admissions.
The 6-3 decision was returned in a challenge to affirmative action policies at the University of North Carolina and Harvard University.
In a statement, University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto said: “Based on our initial understanding, it appears that the Court has restricted the consideration of race with respect to admissions and scholarships. However, it appears we can consider an applicant’s discussion of how race has affected their life.”
He said UK, which calls itself the state's flagship university, will fully comply with the law but “at the same time, we will remain focused on our priority as an institution – to be a community of care, compassion and belonging for everyone, regardless of who they are and regardless of how someone defines their humanity and identity.
“That is the right thing to do for our university," he said, "and the right thing to do for Kentucky.”
University of Louisville spokesman John Karman said that as the "most diverse” non-HBCU among Kentucky’s public colleges and universities, U of L will continue to be committed to diversity among students, faculty and staff.
“Celebrating our differences and learning from one another only makes our university and our society stronger,” he said. “Through legally permissible means, we will continue to foster and sustain an environment of inclusiveness that empowers all to achieve their highest potential.”
Jason Cissell, assistant vice president for communications at Bellarmine University, said the private Louisville school “takes – and will continue to take – a holisitic approach when reviewing applications for admissions to ensure that every application receives consideration based on factors that take into account their accomplishments inside and outside the classroom."
“We remain fully committed to providing students from all backgrounds a transformational educational experience focused on affordability and accessibility. Through our comprehensive efforts to attract students from varying geographic, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds, we anticipate welcoming the most diverse first-year class in the university’s history this fall. In welcoming more diverse students to our community, we strive to provide an inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging and supports every opportunity for their academic and interpersonal success.”
Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green sent a message to its students Thursday saying:
“At WKU, our admissions decisions are based on an applicant’s academic achievement and do not incorporate demographic characteristics – including race – in determining an applicant’s eligibility for admission. As such, this ruling does not affect the university’s admission practices.
"However, we remain committed to positioning our institution as one of access and opportunity, a university that strives to attract students of all backgrounds to ensure that every person who wants to pursue a WKU degree is able. We work diligently to make sure that each student we recruit finds their place on campus, experiences a sense of belonging, and ultimately leaves our university with a meaningful educational experience and a degree that serves them well.
"Our tireless work to make sure that every student has access to the WKU experience has led to significant increased opportunities for underrepresented minority (URM) scholars in our region and beyond.”
Centre College, a private liberal arts school in Danville, said in a statement it would ensure "that we remain in compliance with federal law" but added that it will continue to build "an inclusive community."
"To engage with fellow students, faculty, and staff from varied backgrounds and with different experiences is at the very heart of a liberal arts and sciences education. Our community flourishes when we are agile, open to new ideas, engage with people who have different identities and pursue our curiosities."
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Courier Journal reporter Eleanor McCrary contributed to this report. She can be reached at EMcCrary@courier-journal.com. Reporter Andrew Wolfson can be reached at (502) 396-5853 or awolfson@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Supreme Court affirmative action ruling: Kentucky universities react
