MIAMI – Today, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) released the following statement after the United States Supreme Court upheld Michigan’s affirmative action ban. This decision will allow states to prohibit race as a consideration in public university admissions, state hiring, and government contracting practices.
“Today’s decision is yet another barrier to leveling the playing field for minorities, building on recent Supreme Court decisions that blindly ignore the biases that still exist in our society. This decision will result in the continued and increased underrepresentation of minorities in higher education. Etched in our history is now a dangerous precedent; the impact will be felt for generations to come.
“As Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor so powerfully stated, ‘The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to speak openly and candidly on the subject of race, and to apply the Constitution with eyes open to the unfortunate effects of centuries of racial discrimination.’”
“Like Justice Sotomayor, I too believe that ‘we ought not sit back and wish away, rather than confront, the racial inequality that exists in our society.’”
“Congress must act to preserve the true intention of affirmative action – protecting our rights to equality and unbound opportunity.”
