Los Angeles, CA – July 4, 2023 – Great Minds in STEM (GMiS) remains committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as promoting higher education for students, particularly those from underserved communities. The recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings impacting Affirmative Action, the LGBTQ+ community, and the Student Loan Forgiveness program are deeply disappointing, and we believe they constitute the erosion of protections for minorities and those most vulnerable to discrimination. The Court’s stance on accessing higher education, in particular, prioritizes wealth over diversity, undermining the financial aid infrastructure students from lower socio-economic backgrounds rely on.
The court’s decision to dismantle affirmative action policies, which have driven progress for underrepresented students, is further exacerbated by the exemption for service academies. The court’s acknowledgment of the value of diversity for national defense but not for society as a whole is hypocritical. Justice Sotomayor’s dissent aptly captures the situation, stating, “The Court subverts the constitutional guarantee of equal protection by further entrenching racial inequality in education, the very foundation of our democratic government and pluralistic society.”
The recent Supreme Court rulings also remove protections for LGBTQ+ communities, exacerbating prejudice and discrimination against individuals with different sexual and gender orientations. This puts them at increased risk of harm from those who disregard human rights. Great Minds in STEM will continue supporting “Out to Innovate” in their mission of “…empowering LGBTQ+ individuals in STEM by providing education, advocacy, professional development, networking, and peer support.”
While the Supreme Court’s decisions unraveled significant gains made over the past four-plus decades, GMiS will remain resolute in our efforts to work with our higher education partners to creatively recruit and retain a diverse student body and strengthen inclusivity initiatives that instill a sense of belonging. Traditionally underrepresented students deserve and have a right to access an affordable college education of their choice. These rulings are a reminder that the call-to-action for access, equality and social justice of inclusive learning environments must persist with a stronger voice.
GMiS’ vision is to be a national leader in keeping America technologically strong by promoting STEM in underserved communities. As such, we remain resolved to amplify our programs and efforts to further empower diverse students with STEM Career-Readiness. This will help them acquire the tools and resources needed to compete in college admissions and career advancement. GMiS will continue to remain a strong advocate for traditionally underrepresented STEM students through GMiS STEM Scholarships, MentorNet, HBCU/MI Summer Research Internship partnership, SMART Scholarship partnership, ETS partnership, and our national GMiS Conference, so that students have access to STEM role models, mentors, scholarships, internships, and research experiences to successfully advance in their academic and career pursuits.
Sincerely,
Juan Rivera, Ph.D.
Chairman of the Board and Acting CEO
Great Minds in STEM
Great Minds in STEM