Hi Friend,
We at 18MR are devastated to hear that the Supreme Court chose to destroy over 50 years of racial justice protections. Today’s decision gutting affirmative action denies students an equal opportunity to access higher education. Its grave impact will be felt across the economic, political and social conditions of our people. But we will not stop fighting.
Affirmative action is rooted in Black liberation struggles for civil rights and racial justice. Asian Americans were even a part of the early architecture of these policies [1]. These policies push back against white supremacy inherent to many higher education institutions, creating access to jobs, education and critical survival programs. Overturning affirmative action means our Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian American communities will face more difficulties accessing higher education, receiving job promotions, and beyond.
The case against affirmative action was led by white, right-wing activist Edward Blum of Students for Fair Admissions. Despite over 69% of Asian Americans supporting affirmative action [2], right-wing Asian Americans still collaborated with white supremacist movements to attack affirmative action. We must out-organize them.
Race-conscious policies like affirmative action level the unfair playing field. It creates opportunities for social and economic growth for us all.And even though affirmative action is being attacked, there are other ways we can mobilize. Here’s the breakdown.
In solidarity,
Sharmin, Turner, Leyen, Kari, Brenda, Charlene, and Irma – the 18MR Team
P.S. Have you read our full statement yet?
[1] Asian Americans Helped Build Affirmative Action. What Happened?
[2] AAVS Report [Page 68]
