Clark Atlanta President Expresses Disappointment Over Affirmative Action Ban and Its Impact on HBCUs

Clark Atlanta President Dr. George French recently shared his perspective on the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ban and its impact on historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Clark Atlanta President Dr. French expressed disappointment within the HBCU community, stating that the decision seemed intentional in eroding an effective remedy for racial disparities in the nation. (Photo: ABC News)

Clark Atlanta President Expresses Disappointment Within the HBCU Community

On June 29, the Supreme Court ruled against the use of affirmative action in college admissions decisions. The majority of justices claimed that the admissions programs of Harvard University and The University of North Carolina violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

In an interview with ABC News Live, Clark Atlanta President Dr. French expressed disappointment within the HBCU community, stating that the decision seemed intentional in eroding an effective remedy for racial disparities in the nation.

While the ban is disheartening, Clark Atlanta President Dr. French also highlighted the opportunity it presents for HBCUs to provide access to education for individuals who might not have had it otherwise. He emphasized the need for additional resources, not just financial but also programmatic, to meet the needs of these students.

As a result of the affirmative action ruling, the Clark Atlanta President anticipates a decline in enrollment at predominantly white institutions (PWIs), further underscoring the importance of support for HBCUs, Yahoo reported.

These recent decisions by the Supreme Court have left the HBCU community and students concerned about the future of higher education.

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Clark Atlanta President Expresses Disappointment on Court’s Decision

The following day, June 30, students received more news when the Supreme Court also struck down President Joe Biden’s student loan debt forgiveness plan. This decision impacted current and former students, as over 40 million borrowers would have received relief of up to $20,000 had the aid been approved.

Dr. French expressed disappointment over the court’s decision on student loan forgiveness, highlighting the missed opportunity to eliminate the debt of 21 million graduates and those no longer attending university. The forgiveness program would have provided individuals with the ability to invest in houses, solidify their wealth program, and plan for their families futures.

Now, they will have to find ways to repay their loans, creating a burden for the economy. Notably, one-third of individuals in repayment programs do not have a degree, meaning they now face student loan debt without the benefit of a degree.

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