REP. LORETTA SANCHEZ STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT RULING ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (CA-46) released the following statement after the Supreme Court ruled in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, upholding the constitutionality of affirmative action initiatives.

“I applaud the highest court in the land for ruling in favor of diversity and equal opportunity in higher education. Every student deserves a chance to succeed, and access to a quality and affordable higher education.

“The Supreme Court’s decision recognizes the vital role that the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment continues to play in strengthening our country. Despite major progress since the Civil Rights Movement, we’ve still witnessed widening inequality in educational outcomes for students across America. We must continue to fight discrimination from all angles and make sure that we provide a ladder of opportunity for America’s hardworking students.

“I also appreciate the Court’s acknowledgement that these programs must evolve and self-evaluate to meet the fluid challenges of America’s changing demographics and the rigors of a 21st century education.

“Diversity is America’s greatest strength and today’s Supreme Court ruling ensures that strength will continue to build.”

###

Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez is proud to represent California’s 46th Congressional District, which includes the cities of Anaheim, Santa Ana, and parts of the cities of Garden Grove and Orange in Orange County. She serves as a senior member on the Committee on Homeland Security and the House Armed Services Committee, and as Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces.