The SEIU 509 Higher Education Chapter & Racial Justice Committee decry the Supreme Court’s decisions to end race-conscious practices in higher ed admissions and to invalidate President Biden’s student debt relief plan. We know that Black, Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Native and AAPI students account for more than half of all students in America’s schools. We also know that a college education is a vehicle to greater economic mobility, especially for people of color. These decisions amount to a direct attack on communities of color, mirroring the shameful history of shutting students of color out of higher education and out of economic opportunity altogether.
We firmly believe that everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue and receive a college education.
Though Massachusetts prides itself on excelling at higher education, the reality is that students of color are disproportionately thwarted by unaffordable tuition, below-average funding for community colleges, and lack of supports like mentoring & career guidance. Now, without student debt relief or affirmative action, students of color face immense obstacles to their future success.
Our democracy demands that we tear down these barriers to opportunity. We can begin to address racial & ethnic gaps by implementing powerful and comprehensive tools, including expanding financial aid, simplifying pathways to and through college, and building welcoming campus environments. We call on our leaders in institutions of higher education and in government to take immediate, direct action to affirm equal opportunity for students of color in the Commonwealth.
Ethel Everett, SEIU 509 Racial Justice Committee Chair & DCF Chapter President
Elizabeth Lemons, SEIU 509 Higher Education Chapter President
