Member News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 30, 2023
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:
(202) 618-CHEM
[email protected]
NOBCChE’s Response to the US Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action in College Admissions
The National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) is apalled at the decision by the US Supreme Court to end affirmative action in the Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College (20-1199). This ruling means that college admissions offices should ignore the systemic impacts of race on students when granting students access. This decision undoubtedly reverses the decades of progress that our country has made in ensuring the inclusion of diverse students, especially African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian and Alaska Native, and other marginalized groups, on college campuses across the nation. An example of what will occur on college campuses in the absence of affirmative action was recently highlighted for UC Berkeley.
NOBCChE members, over the last 50 years, have helped move the needle forward on scientific discoveries and societal progress in part because of our access to institutions of higher education, afforded by affirmative action. In fact, NOBCChE was founded to help create spaces for our members to thrive and minimize gaps in educational access and science, as various institutions were not welcoming to our talent because of race,
We recognize that many of our members may feel disheartened and discouraged by this decision, and future students may be worried about what this means for their futures and careers. NOBCChE wants to encourage us all that we can not let this decision keep us from holding ourselves and institutions of higher education accountable for reducing the gaps in representation in STEM. We can not ensure a diverse STEM workforce without all institutions of higher education continuing to open their doors to individuals from all racial and ethnic groups.
NOBCChE is hopeful that all of the progress that institutions of higher education have made and promised to make with strong diversity, equity, and inclusion statements and plans will not be abandoned with this decision. We are counting on all institutions to find ways to uphold their missions and ensure that higher education is broadly accessible in our country. As an organization, we are here to support our students and the next generation of scientists whom we need to solve the world’s greatest challenges. We are encouraged by the institutions and companies who are partnering with us to promote career opportunities through our programming and events, such as our upcoming annual conference, which will feature our 50th anniversary celebration.
Renã AS Robinson, PhD
NOBCChE President
Simon Shannon, PhD
NOBCChE Board Chair
NOBCChE Executive Board
50th Anniversary Gala
The Louisiana State University (LSU) Chapter has been a past host of the Southeast/Southwest Regional Conference and will co-host NOBCChE’s 50th Anniversary Conference in 2023. The chapter’s first advisor was the renowned Dr. Isiah Warner, who recently retired. NOBCChE Southwest Regional Chair, Dr. Tyrslai Williams-Carter is also engaged with the chapter. Learn more here and use the link below to view all of our chapters.