LULAC Calls on Supreme Court to Protect Diversity

December 9, 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. – WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, regarding a constitutional challenge to the university’s admissions policy. LULAC filed an amicus brief in this case supporting the institution’s approach to identifying the best and most diverse students.

Today, LULAC joined other civil rights organizations at a demonstration that was held on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes spoke at today’s rally and made the following statement:

“In order for the Latino community to continue moving forward, it is critical that our young people have access to a high-quality education that will prepare them for the 21st-century global economy. It is just as important for institutions of higher education to use a holistic approach when considering candidates for admission. Institutions with diverse student populations provide their students with experiences and perspectives unique to individuals from certain racial and ethnic backgrounds. The University of Texas’s current method of using a holistic approach to admit the best and most diverse students helps to level the playing field by providing minority students with opportunities in higher education and ensures that the University of Texas continues to serve all Texans.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.