(NEW YORK)— In response to the Supreme Court ruling today on affirmative action, PEN America issued the following statement from Kristen Shahverdian, senior manager for Free Expression and Education:
“The mission of the university is best served by a diversity of views, experiences, and identities. To the extent that the Court’s decision weakens the ability of colleges and universities to achieve that mission, it risks having a deleterious effect on the future of teaching, learning, and research. We hope that in the wake of this case, campuses will continue to value and support having a diverse student body with voices from all backgrounds, including those reflective of communities historically underrepresented in higher education. Doing so will be essential to ensuring that the work of our universities is reflective of our diverse and democratic society.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. To learn more visit PEN.org
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], 201-247-5057