San Francisco, CA – “Last week two rulings were made by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), which are a direct attack on our community and have implications for our work in advancing educational equity. Students of color throughout the country will be most impacted by these harsh decisions.
Firstly, the 6-3 ruling by SCOTUS that President Biden overstepped his authority to forgive $10,000-$20,000 of student loan debt is a significant blow in addressing the burden countless low-income students face nationwide. As an organization dedicated to educational access and success, we understand the weight of student loan debt and its impact on people’s lives. This ruling signifies a step backward in acknowledging the need for comprehensive reform to alleviate the financial strain on students and pave the way for a more equitable higher education system. Mission Graduates will continue to work tirelessly to support our students, helping them navigate the complexities of financial aid, scholarships, and debt management.
Secondly, in another 6-3 ruling, SCOTUS banned “race-conscious admissions” to colleges and universities. Affirmative action highlights the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion within our educational institutions. We at Mission Graduates firmly believe in the power of diversity and its role in creating a rich and dynamic learning environment. We also know that direct and measurable actions must be taken to address the centuries of marginalization and exclusion of communities of color. This ruling provides a pathway to discrimination and segregation in our institutions and widens the already-existing opportunity gap for students and families.
In light of these rulings, Mission Graduates remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for low-income students of color. Our work is more important now than ever as educational equity and access are under attack. We will continue to collaborate with partners, policymakers, and community members to create lasting change and dismantle the systemic barriers that hinder educational opportunities for marginalized communities.
As we persevere on, we encourage our community to remain engaged and to amplify our collective voice. Your support is crucial in achieving our vision: a world where every student has an equal chance to succeed and thrive. Education is something that can not be taken away, but our students first need access to embrace these opportunities. Thank you for your ongoing support.”
###