A message from Loyola President Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., on Supreme Court affirmative action ruling

Terrence M. Sawyer, J.D., president of Loyola University Maryland, issued this statement on the Supreme Court ruling related to affirmative action:

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that institutions of higher education must stop explicitly considering the race of applicants in the admission review process. This disappointing decision overturns the affirmative-action approach that has been a standard at many colleges and universities—and which has offered one way to ensure that universities educate a population that includes students of diverse backgrounds.

Although this ruling changes the law and will affect some of our processes as a university, it does not—and will not—alter our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice at Loyola University Maryland. This commitment is integral to our identity and our mission as a Jesuit, Catholic university. We will continue to work to ensure that students of all backgrounds are able to benefit from the exceptional Jesuit, liberal arts education that Loyola provides. We will also continue to welcome faculty, staff, and administrators of diverse backgrounds as members of our Loyola family.

We take pride in the fact that the University’s two most recent incoming classes of talented and high-achieving students have included the largest percentage of individuals who identify as students of color in Loyola’s history. We remain committed to approaching the college application process with a focus on equity and inclusion. That is certainly important to Loyola as we live out our mission and educate people as leaders for our diverse and changing world.

Our mission does not simply invite or ask us to embrace a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice; it requires this approach of us. As a Jesuit, Catholic university, we must make decisions that are based in our values, leading with love and fighting for justice. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are essential to who we are—and to our call to work for a more just world.

Read the AJCU statement on affirmative action.