June 24, 2016
WASHINGTON—The Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF) released the following statement applauding yesterday’s Supreme Court’s ruling in Fisher v. University of Texas reaffirming long-standing precedent of the right of colleges and universities to consider race as part of a holistic review of their applicants for admission. The Court upheld University of Texas’ race-conscious undergraduate admissions policy.
“Diversity is a bedrock American value that benefits us in our understanding of each other and the communities where we live, learn and work,” said Kathy Ko Chin, APIAHF president and CEO. “Race-conscious admissions programs promote equal educational opportunities for all students and give them better tools to thrive in and contribute to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.”
In November 2015, APIAHF joined more than 140 Asian American organizations, student groups, bar associations and members of academia on an amicus brief supporting the University of Texas. The brief highlighted how race-conscious admissions programs have opened the doors of higher education for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students who faced historic exclusion and discrimination and continue to benefit many AA & NHPI students facing educational barriers today.