June 29, 2023

In the wake of today’s Supreme Court ruling, Washington State University reaffirms its longstanding commitment to ensuring higher education is accessible and affordable for all Washingtonians. We remain dedicated to holistically recruiting the best students, faculty, and staff to WSU. Fulfilling these pledges will continue to guide us now and in the future.

Seeking and serving a diverse student body and building an inclusive campus community improves the educational experience of all students, better preparing them to thrive in a multicultural and global economy. An educational system built on equity, inclusion, and belonging lies at the heart of our mission.

WSU is convening a cross-functional team to assess all policies and programs that could be impacted by today’s decision. While we will review the court’s ruling and abide by its decision, it’s our duty — and our pledge — to continue to address the systemic discrimination and biases that hinder students of color. It’s a commitment the university already works hard to uphold in a state where affirmative action programs have been prohibited in public hiring, education, and contracting since 1998.

Educational opportunities and experiences that prepare students for college success remain unequally distributed. We will continue to eliminate equity gaps and build pathways that guide WSU students from across our system to the industries powering the diverse economies of our state and nation.

Kirk H. Schulz
System President
Washington State University