Monday, October, 31st, 2022 Speeches and Messages
October 31, 2022
Dear members of the Tufts community,
Later this morning, the Supreme Court of the United States will hear oral arguments in two cases – Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. As you may be aware, Tufts University recently joined several institutions of higher education in submitting an amicus curiae brief in support of Harvard and UNC, and the use of a holistic, individualized college admissions process that considers many factors, including race.
As research, and our own institutional experience affirms, diversity, in all its forms, drives institutional excellence. I firmly believe that one of the most distinctive attributes of a Tufts education is the variety of backgrounds and perspectives that our students, faculty, and staff bring to campus that enrich the educational experience. At Tufts, we celebrate diversity and recognize its power to enlighten, teach, and bridge differences. Indeed, it is foundational to our mission to provide transformative experiences for students, faculty, and staff in an inclusive and collaborative environment.
As the Court hears arguments in the cases today, I hope it will embrace the position that Tufts, along with other colleges and universities, offered in support of the critically important educational benefits of a diverse student body and the societal benefits of educating diverse future leaders. As we look forward together into the future, the diversity of our community will not only drive our institutional excellence but our mission driven goals of generating bold ideas, innovation in the face of complex challenges, and developing community members who can distinguish themselves as active citizens of the world.
While the outcome of the cases before the Court will not be known until next year, I remain resolutely committed to these ideals, which serve as core values for the Tufts community. Tufts will continue to monitor the proceedings, support our peer institutions in this effort, and continue to stand up for our right to select and educate students from all backgrounds and identities in an environment that encourages open dialogue across many different perspectives.
Best wishes,
Tony Monaco