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Today’s Supreme Court Arguments and the College’s Admissions Practices

October 31, 2022

The below message was sent on Oct. 31, 2022


Dear members of the Bryn Mawr community,

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments in two federal cases involving undergraduate admissions policies and practices regarding the legality of limited consideration of race and ethnicity. While we do not expect a decision in this case until 2023, we wish to underscore Bryn Mawr’s commitment to the power of a diverse community in all its forms.

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 our own understanding of the world and broadens our 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 earlier this year, which supported the legality of race-consciousness, as just one of the many components in the admissions process as schools strive to diversify their communities.

Whatever the outcome, Bryn Mawr stands strong with all who see the benefits and opportunities that exist in more diverse communities. We will evaluate our processes against whatever decision is made by the Supreme Court and continue to invest in areas of support for all those who have joined our community.
 

Kim Cassidy, President and Professor of Psychology

Cheryl Lynn Horsey, Chief Enrollment Officer and Acting Dean of the College