While it may not be a clear connection to some, yesterday’s Supreme Court decision to essentially eliminate affirmative action – specifically race conscious admissions – should be of concern for all who are committed to advancing inclusive student success through equitable access to global education opportunities.

In Diversity Abroad’s analysis earlier this month, we highlighted several areas of concern:

  • A significant number of the institutions that send the most students to study abroad are also on the list of the most selective colleges & universities, the very institutions that will be most impacted by the AA decision
  • Based on past bans on AA in California and Michigan, the number of Black and Latino students and selective campus will significantly drop, hence decreasing the population of available students from these backgrounds to study abroad
  • These may be challenges to use of race in awarding study abroad scholarships. In one study, Diversity Abroad found that 90% of students of color cited finances as the key barrier to study abroad participation
  • As campuses aim to diversify population of international student, recruitment approaches that take race into consideration may run afoul of the new precedent set by Supreme Court of the United States

Specifically in study abroad, even prior to the decision, the percentage of students studying abroad from racial diverse backgrounds was stubbornly low. For African American students, it has dropped.

This decision should be a call to action for those who are committed to inclusive student success to double down in efforts to expand access to and support in global education.

About the author: Andrew Gordon is founder and CEO of Diversity Abroad. Founded in 2006, Diversity Abroad’s mission is to create equitable access to the benefits of global education by empowering educators, engaging stakeholders, and connecting diverse students to resources and opportunity.

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