In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, we cannot help but express our deep frustration and disappointment. The decision underscores the urgent need to reassert our unwavering support for racial equity and justice. At Grand Victoria Foundation, we have long championed the power of education in dismantling systemic barriers and creating equal opportunities for all individuals. Our partners, who work tirelessly on the ground, consistently emphasize that race matters when it comes to educational access and outcomes.

Affirmative action has played a vital role in expanding access and opportunities for a wide range of individuals across America. It has served as a mechanism to promote inclusivity and ensure that all marginalized communities – including Black, Latino/x, Native American, Asian American and Pacific Islander, White women, individuals from poor and working-class backgrounds, people with disabilities, religious minorities, and LGBTQ individuals – have a fair chance to thrive and contribute to our society. Its positive effects have been broad and far-reaching.

The influence of race on individuals’ experiences and opportunities in America remains profound. It reaches far beyond the realm of education and extends to other critical aspects of life. As a result, we cannot overlook the persistent disparities embedded within these systems, which contribute to the perpetuation of racial inequities. Addressing these disparities is not only a matter of social justice, but it is also crucial for our collective well-being. The strength of our social cohesion is intrinsically tied to dismantling these inequities and fostering a more equitable society for all.

The recent decision by the Court has the potential to hinder the hard-fought progress on college campuses, nonprofits, foundations, corporations, and philanthropic organizations whose missions, programs, and advocacy explicitly address and advocate for racial justice. This ruling calls upon us to stand even stronger, to protect and amplify the voices of those most impacted by systemic racism.

We must not allow the assault on progress to weaken our resolve. Now, more than ever, we must stand strong in our convictions to confront the root causes of racial disparities in various systems. Grand Victoria Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to racial justice and equity. We will persist in amplifying voices, acknowledging and repairing harm, and building and sharing power, all while embracing joy and abundance.

We extend a heartfelt invitation to all our stakeholders to stand united with us in our pursuit of a just, fair, and equitable society. Alongside esteemed organizations like Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative, Lighthouse Foundation, and Palenque LSNA, let’s wholeheartedly champion racial justice and joyfully celebrate the richness of diversity. It is only through our collective efforts that we will shape a future where unity, compassion, and equality reign, making the dream of justice for all an enduring reality.