Commissioner Ellis’ Statement on U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision to Bar Race-Based Admissions to Colleges

29 Jun, 23

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis issued the following statement on the Supreme Court striking down affirmative action in college admissions:

"Today's Supreme Court decision to overturn affirmative action in college admissions is a profound setback for our nation and the pursuit of equality and justice. I am the product of affirmative action. I had the opportunity to receive a top-tier education, but the rest was up to me. That same opportunity has now been stolen from millions of young people from marginalized communities who still grapple with the effects of systemic racism. This is yet another reminder that advances and victories will not last if we don’t sustain the fight. The arc of the moral universe doesn’t bend on its own. It’s taken constant struggle and sacrifice to make advances—and it will take the same to sustain those advances and push forward. This setback will not deter us from pursuing a more just and equitable future for all."