Dear UMB Community,

Today, the U.S. Supreme Court decided two cases related to the consideration of race in college admissions, Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, ruling that the use of affirmative action in college admissions is unconstitutional. We have been following the issue and discussing it for some time in leadership meetings and at events at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). In fact, many of you joined us for the June 15 “Face to Face”: The Future of Race-Conscious Admissions, the Feb. 14 President’s Panel on Politics and Policy conversation with National Public Radio legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg, and the Dec. 15 “Face to Face”: SCOTUS and Race-Conscious Admissions episode.

Affirmative action has been a subject of debate for many years and represents an ongoing effort to address historical inequities and promote diversity in educational institutions. The recent Supreme Court decisions have brought this issue to the forefront again, reminding us of the significance and complexity of the matter.

At UMB, we believe in and act on our core values, which include Equity and Justice. We are an institution committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse learning environment, and we recognize the importance of creating opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to access higher education. We firmly believe that a diverse academic community enriches the educational experience for all, and it is our responsibility to ensure equal access and opportunities for success.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As we navigate these legal developments, it is equally important to engage in open and respectful conversations within our communities. UMB remains resolute in its dedication to supporting students from all walks of life and ensuring that they have access to the transformative power of higher education. We will comply with the law as we continue to examine and refine our admissions policies, striving for fairness, transparency, and equity.

This afternoon, I will host a hybrid President’s Q&A and invite you to attend with your questions. In the coming months, look for additional opportunities to understand what these rulings might or might not mean for UMB.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to UMB and its values. I am confident that, together, we can navigate these changes while ensuring that our University remains an example of educational and inclusive excellence.

Sincerely,

Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS

President