A Message Regarding SCOTUS Ruling on Affirmative Action

Today, the Supreme Court ruled that colleges and universities can no longer take race into consideration as an express factor in admissions. While there is a lot of discussion in the media about the impact this will have on higher education institutions generally, I know there are questions about what this means for Montclair State University.

The short answer is it will have little effect. Montclair does not consider an applicant’s race or ethnicity in making admissions or financial aid decisions.

We believe that students of all backgrounds deserve an equal opportunity to earn a high-quality education, and we are deeply committed to creating pathways for all students to succeed. This ethos of inclusion is at the heart of our university and the key to our success.

Montclair boasts a student population that is as diverse as it is talented. We are a minority-majority institution, a Hispanic-Serving Institution, 41% of last year’s incoming class were first-generation college students, and 48% of our undergraduates received Pell Grants. Programs such as our Educational Opportunity Fund and our Office of Student Belonging are focused on providing additional resources for all students to feel supported and welcomed. Those are just a few indicators of our commitment to serving a highly diverse and talented student body.

We will evaluate all of our programs and scholarships to ensure compliance with the rulings, but we want all of our Red Hawk community to be assured that this does not change our commitment to make affordable, high-quality education accessible for all.