Mission Impossible? The Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action and the University Mission

In a recent decision, the U.S. Supreme Court held that race-conscious college admissions programs are unconstitutional. This decision is rendered at a time in which college mission statements often include a commitment to diversity, as well as the promotion of socially responsible and civically engaged graduates. This Court decision will make it difficult for many colleges to live up to these aspects of their missions. While much of the public conversation in the wake of this decision has focused on how it will limit opportunities for underrepresented groups and reduce diversity on campuses, this session focuses primarily on how this decision and reduced diversity may reduce feelings of social responsibility, constrain civic engagement, and, more specifically, limit the anti-racist attitudes and activities of future graduates.