California’s Public Higher Education Leaders react to Supreme Court ruling on Affirmative Action

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - The Supreme Court has struck down affirmative action in college admissions, declaring race cannot be a factor. Leadership for California's higher education systems say they are disappointed in the decision.

"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," said a joint statement by California State University Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester, University of California President Michael V. Drake, M.D. and California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian.

"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."

According to UC Santa Barbara's 2022-2023 campus profile, 35% of the undergraduate population is reported to be white, while the other 65% are reported to be either Asian, Latino, Black, or American Indian.

Matt Lazier, Assistant Vice President for Communications and Media Relations at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, says the university has been focused on increasing the diversity of its student body using the structure set by Prop 209.

Since 1996, Proposition 209 has bared California public schools and universities from using race, sex, or ethnicity in admissions.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's 2022 incoming class was the most diverse class in the university's history so far. More than 51% were women, more than 27% were from underrepresented communities, and nearly 25% were latino students.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said the Supreme Court's ruling has narrowed the path to equal opportunity for students, but it will never shatter the California Dream.

"Our campus doors remain open for all who want to work hard — and our commitment to diversity, equity, and equal opportunity has never been stronger.”