Hirono Statement on Supreme Court Affirmative Action Decision

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision striking down race-based affirmative action policies at the University of North Carolina and Harvard University:

“Affirmative action policies have helped colleges and universities across our country cultivate more diverse student bodies. These commonsense policies recognize that diversity on campuses benefits all students, and help to advance racial equity.

“But once again, this extreme Supreme Court has taken our country backwards. Given our country’s long history of racial discrimination and the stark racial inequality that continues to this day, for Justices to focus on whether the benefits of diversity can be measured precisely is shortsighted and detached from reality.

“Diversity of every kind makes us stronger. At a time when those on the right disavow diversity in a cynical attempt to divide us, I’ll continue working to advance diversity, equity, and justice for all.”

In August 2022, Senator Hirono signed an amicus brief in support of UNC and Harvard’s affirmative action policies.

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