October 31, 2022
Dear Members of the Connecticut College Community,
The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments today in two cases that challenge the consideration of race in admissions decisions -- Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. Debo Adegbile ’91, chair of the Connecticut College Board of Trustees and a partner at the international law firm Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr, is part of a team that prepared research for today’s arguments to the Court.
At Conn, we support the use of a holistic admissions process in which many factors are considered, including race, which is why Conn recently joined 33 liberal arts institutions of higher education in submitting an amicus curiae brief in support of Harvard and UNC.
As you know, we embrace the ideal of full participation, supporting a diverse and just learning environment in which all people, whatever their identity or background, can reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the flourishing of others and to society.
Such a holistic approach is built into the core values of our strategic plan, Building on Strength, which provides enriched opportunities for student enrollment, engagement and academic excellence. This approach is designed to promote equal access, address racial discrimination and create equitable and sustainable communities — both on campus and in the world beyond.
As the Supreme Court considers the fate of race-conscious admissions in America, the Connecticut College community urges the justices to remember that civic development — and the future of our democratic society — depend on the ways we educate ever more diverse communities of students to speak purposefully, listen deeply and collaborate effectively.
As we continue to monitor the Court’s proceedings, I want to reassure you that Conn remains committed to the principles of diversity, inclusion and justice in our admissions and other policies as we address the weight of past legacies and current challenges.
Yours,
Katherine Bergeron
President