Presidential Communication SCOTUS college and university admissions ruling

President's Message

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President Murthay

Dear OSU Community Members,

Oregon State University joins with higher education institutions across the nation in its disappointment with two U.S. Supreme Court decisions issued today related to the consideration of race and ethnicity in college admissions.

The court's rulings involve admissions practices at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina and may impact admission practices at many other universities and colleges nationally. In the days and weeks ahead, OSU leaders will be actively engaged to understand what direct impact, if any, these rulings may have within Oregon State University.

Even with this ruling, let me make clear: OSU will continue to admit every qualified Oregon student who applies. This is a foundational part of the university's commitment to access, inclusivity and excellence. We also will continue to increase the diversity of the university's student body by admitting talented and promising students from across the nation and the world.

While OSU does not consider an applicant's race or ethnicity in making admission decisions, the university strongly affirms the importance of a diverse student body to advance the university's teaching, research and engagement mission. Embracing diversity in everything we do makes the OSU community stronger. Diversity in enrollment contributes to the success of all students and their preparation for achievement in life, career, community and global engagement. Valuing the rich lived experiences and backgrounds of all students, employees, community members and university stakeholders enables prosperity for all communities in Oregon and in communities beyond this state.

As Oregon's statewide land grant university, OSU remains resolutely committed to serving those who face systemic barriers to higher education, including  students of color, low-income students, first-generation students, students from rural communities, veterans, adult learners and others. In doing so, we will continue to advance the university's inclusive excellence mission.

In the weeks ahead, we will provide updates on the Supreme Court's rulings and share information on this university website. And we will continue to work with partners across the state and country to ensure equal opportunity to higher education for all.

In the meantime, please learn more about the university's commitment and efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion by reviewing the university's core values, OSU's current strategic plan, the university's diversity strategic plan and the many resources available from the Office of Institutional Diversity.

Sincerely,

Jayathi Y. Murthy

President

Frequently Asked Questions

The cases – Students for Fair Admission v. Harvard University, and Students for Fair Admission v. University of North Carolina – challenged already limited and proscribed use of race and ethnicity, as one of many factors, in considering a student’s college application.

Immediately. 

OSU does not consider an applicant’s race or ethnicity for purposes of making admission decisions. The practices at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina that were challenged at the Supreme Court are not used at Oregon State University

OSU is open to all academically qualified students. OSU’s practice of admitting every qualified Oregon student who applies is part of the university’s commitment to its access and inclusivity.

While OSU does not utilize race or ethnicity in admissions, the university strongly acknowledges and affirms the vital importance of a diverse student body in advancing the university’s teaching, research and engagement missions. As a land grant institution, OSU is committed to ensuring that higher education is accessible to all, including those who face systemic barriers, such as students of color, low-income students, first-generation students, students from rural communities, adult learners and others.

The OSU community is stronger for embracing diversity in everything we do. Diversity in enrollment contributes to the success of all students and their preparation for life, career and community and global engagement. Diversity in OSU’s enrollment serves Oregon and the values, success and needs of all Oregonians across the state.

In fall 2022, 29.2% of the students enrolled at OSU identified as people of color. This compares with 19.8% in 2012 and 13% in 2002.

OSU will update this webpage as new information on this ruling is available. Until then, here is a link to the Supreme Court’s ruling.

20-1199 Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College (06/29/2023) (supremecourt.gov)

We will provide updates on this ruling as able and share updated information on OSU programs on a university website.

Learn more about the university’s commitment and efforts to advance diversity, equity and inclusion by reviewing the university’s core values, OSU’s current strategic plan, the university’s diversity strategic plan and the many resources available from the Office of Institutional Diversity.