Oakland, June 29, 2023

Dear Peralta Community,

Earlier today, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that the admissions systems used by Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill illegally violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, effectively overturning Affirmative Action programs. This is an unfortunate decision.

We, the leaders of the Peralta Community College District, are fully aligned with the leadership of the California Community Colleges, California State Universities, and the University of California system, and fully support the statement by Dr. Sonya Christian (CCC Chancellor), Dr. Michael Drake (UC President), and Dr. Jolene Koester (CSU Interim Chancellor):

“As leaders of California’s public higher education institutions, we are disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision this week to prohibit the use of race in college admissions. The benefits of campus diversity are clear: It leads to higher quality education for all by reflecting a plurality of ideas and perspectives, and it results in increased community benefit when diverse graduates enter the workforce.”

“Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values at our institutions. We will continue to support programs and practices that seek to address historical inequities and ensure that our colleges and universities are reflective of California’s rich and dynamic diversity. We remain committed to creating educational opportunities for all Californians so that they can reach their full potential and so that all California communities can thrive.”

In Unity,

Dr. Jannett N. Jackson, Interim Chancellor

Kuni Hay, for Dr. Angélica Garcia, President, Berkeley City College

Dr. Diana Bajrami, Acting President, College of Alameda

Dr. Rudy Besikof, President, Laney College

Dr. David M. Johnson, President, Merritt College