Statement Regarding Supreme Court Decisions on Race-Conscious Admissions

The Supreme Court has, in prior decisions, recognized that racial and ethnic diversity is critical to the fulfillment of every college or university’s primary mission, which is to create an environment in which diversity of thought, free expression, and the robust exchange of ideas can occur. It has further previously noted that the creation of such environments specifically includes the “unique experience of being a racial minority in a society, like our own, in which race unfortunately still matters.” Most public as well as independent universities, like Gonzaga, have thus been committed to intentionally attracting students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds (a) in an effort to create educational opportunities for individuals who historically have been discriminated against because of their race or ethnicity, and (b) because a diverse student body better prepares all students for leadership in a diverse workforce and society.

Gonzaga specifically situates its commitment to diversity in the context of its religious identity and mission, as well as its commitment to academic freedom. As a sponsored work of the Society of Jesus, Catholic teachings are enshrined in our institution’s mission statement and emphasize human dignity, social justice, diversity, and solidarity with the underserved and marginalized. Commitment to creating and sustaining a diverse student body, and commitment to the creation of a truly inclusive university environment, is thus a fundamental expression of our obligations and prerogatives as a religious institution.

Gonzaga University will, along with its many colleague institutions and associations, review the Supreme Court’s decisions on these cases thoroughly to identify whether any modifications to our admissions processes will be necessary. The Court’s decisions will not, however, change our mission-based commitments, which include ongoing efforts to create a welcoming, inclusive, and diverse campus community – a community that recognizes that prejudice and social discrimination do exist, and must continue to be examined, understood, and eliminated if true equality is ever to be achieved in our country.

As signatory to an open letter in advance of this decision, I joined 28 other college presidents who are committed to expanding access to higher education and increasing diversity within their student bodies. As the presidents stated, “Holistic review of applicants is critical to recruiting a well-rounded class, and that includes consideration of the richness of students’ many attributes and interests – including their lived experiences and backgrounds.”

We are an institution committed to the thriving of all individuals, and thus will continue to foster engagement between people of different identities, cultures, and backgrounds to facilitate the intellectual development, critical thinking, ethical discernment, and commitment to social justice that defines an excellent Jesuit university education.