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Statement on SCOTUS Affirmative Action Decision

June 29, 2023

Today the U.S. Supreme Court announced its decisions regarding Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina, two cases that challenged the legality of limited consideration of race and ethnicity in higher education.

Bryn Mawr always has utilized a holistic approach to reviewing prospective student application materials. Our goal has been to invite exceptional students, who will contribute a wide range of talents, experiences, and capabilities, to join each incoming class.

As our College mission statement emphasizes, "Equity and inclusion serve as the engine for excellence and innovation." These values are at the very heart of what makes a liberal arts education unique and enduring. To consider varied positions and backgrounds and learn from them only strengthens an individual’s understanding of the world and broadens horizons. Along with 32 other colleges and universities, Bryn Mawr signed onto an amicus curiae brief that was filed with the U.S. Supreme Court last year. It supported the legality of race-consciousness as just one of the many components in the admissions process as schools strive to diversify their communities.

We continue to review our admissions processes and practices to ensure we remain in compliance with federal law. Bryn Mawr College stands in solidarity with all who see the benefits and opportunities that exist in promoting diverse campus populations and will continue to invest in areas of support for all those who are part of our community.

Dr. Kimberly Cassidy, President, Bryn Mawr College