Below is a statement by Association of American Universities President Mary Sue Coleman regarding a brief submitted by AAU and 36 other higher education organizations in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College:
I’m proud AAU and many others in the higher education community are standing behind holistic admissions practices. Like many of its peers, Harvard utilizes a holistic review to ensure each applicant is considered as an individual and this careful consideration helps ensure broader student diversity on campus.
Diversity in admissions equalizes opportunity, educates all sectors of society, and enriches the experiences of all students by introducing differing perspectives, cultures, and ideas. For our universities to continue preparing students for a 21st Century global economy, we must continue to be afforded discretion in admissions processes and policies.
AAU and its 60 U.S. universities are unequivocally committed to upholding the values of diversity, equal opportunity, and academic excellence. Creating opportunity is an issue of critical importance for the nation and one in which AAU universities, like Harvard, will continue to take a leadership role.
Founded in 1900, the Association of American Universities comprises 62 distinguished institutions that continually advance society through education, research, and discovery.
Our universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for academic research, are improving human life and wellbeing through research, and are educating tomorrow’s visionary leaders and global citizens.
AAU members collectively help shape policy for higher education, science, and innovation; promote best practices in undergraduate and graduate education; and strengthen the contributions of research universities to society.