Washington, DC -(Wednesday, October 10, 2012) – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson issued the following statement concerning today’s oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin before the Supreme Court:

"Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, in what has become the first challenge to using race as a factor for college and university admissions since the court upheld this practice in 2003.  The holistic approaches currently utilized during the evaluation of college applicants are again being brought into question despite years of proven practice to take race into account to achieve diversity."

"Diversity in higher education helps to strengthen our education system and our Nation, and equips students from all different backgrounds with the skills needed to compete in today’s global economy.  A decision by the Supreme Court to overturn legal precedent recognizing diversity as a compelling interest would curtail the ability of schools to tailor their admissions policies, and negatively impact our children’s future.  Understanding the gravity of this decision and the importance of diversity in educational institutions, I have joined my colleagues in filing an amicus brief in support of the University of Texas at Austin’s existing admissions policies to diversify and enhance its student body."

"While it may be months before a final decision is reached, the potential consequences of an unfavorable ruling cannot be overemphasized.  The outcome of this ruling could undo decades of effort by higher learning institutions to create a richer and more integrated learning environment for students.  I trust that the Supreme Court will uphold precedent that equal opportunity in higher education is one pathway to success that we must preserve for all Americans."

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Turtle Creek, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.