PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, after six justices on the U.S. Supreme Court rejected 40 years of a twice-reaffirmed precedent and struck down affirmative action in college admissions, U.S. Senator Jack Reed issued the following statement:

“We have a commitment in this country to all of our citizens and giving everyone a chance.  Diversity strengthens our nation because it fuels innovation and competitiveness and fortifies our democracy. 

“Today, the Supreme Court turned its back on precedent. Scrapping affirmative action means fewer underrepresented students in higher education and in the leadership pipeline to the boardroom and halls of power. 

“I agree with Justice Sotomayor’s dissent that this ruling “rolls back decades of precedent and momentous progress.” 

“Despite this setback, we must reaffirm our national commitment to keeping the doors of higher education open to all with the talent and drive to succeed.”