Washington, D.C.) – The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) is deeply disappointed, yet sadly not surprised by the Supreme Court’s misguided decision to overturn the precedent set by Regents of the University of California v. Bakke and essentially abolish affirmative action as we know it. The conservative decision is a not so veiled effort to limit academic opportunities for Black and brown students who still face socioeconomic and racial inequities in the college admissions process. Undoubtedly, the long-term effects of this decision will have unforeseen, far-sweeping impacts on our nation as a whole.

“Justice is never achieved when the scales are tipped against those who already bear the weight of centuries of inequity,” said Mount Vernon, NY Mayor and AAMA President Shawyn Patterson-Howard. “This decision by the Supreme Court is the latest in a long line of actions meant to strip Black and brown people and women of their access to the American Dream. Affirmative action was not merely a policy, but a promise to strive for a nation where color does not dictate destiny. The Supreme Court knew that, and they abolished it anyway.”

“SCOTUS’ rulings today slam the doors shut on the American Dream. These decisions affect more than 26 million Americans, including 373,000 students in Alabama, while undermining our work to ensure a more equitable and just nation that offers the right to live, learn and earn to all,” said Montgomery, AL Mayor and AAMA 1st Vice President Steven L. Reed. “In our region, we anticipate an especially significant burden on current, past, and prospective Black students at more than a dozen higher education institutions in central Alabama — including Auburn University.”

The Supreme Court of the United States in a 6-2 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and 6-3 decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina ruled that colleges cannot explicitly consider applicants’ race in their admissions process.