Dear Colleagues,
The U.S. Supreme Court today issued a ruling that severely curtails colleges and universities from considering race as a factor in admissions. As noted in the preceding message from University leadership, this is a deeply disappointing decision that is a major setback on efforts to establish diverse student populations at higher education institutions across the country. For the Bloomberg School, this decision represents a challenge to our ongoing work to both build an inclusive and dynamic student body and to prepare a diverse public health workforce to save lives globally.
The Bloomberg School’s commitment to diversity as a cornerstone of public health education will not change. Our mission is to protect health and save lives around the world, and fundamental to that is addressing the tremendous health disparities caused by systemic racism. Meeting these challenges requires diverse and knowing perspectives and experiences at all levels of public health education, research, and practice. Despite this legal setback, be assured that our School and the University at large remain dedicated to educating future leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.
In the face of this ruling, it is vital that we reaffirm our commitment to create a socially just and welcoming School environment where all can thrive. This work is guided by our Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity, and also requires efforts from all of us. As always, fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for our students, especially those coming from communities who have historically not been able to access higher education, is pivotal to our work of building a healthier, more equitable world.
Sincerely,
Ellen, Joel and Mike
Ellen J. MacKenzie, PhD ’79, ScM ’75
Dean
Bloomberg Distinguished Professor
Joel I. Bolling, MA
Assistant Dean for Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity
Michael Ward, MEd
Associate Dean for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs
