The Supreme Court decision on affirmative action rendered recently reminds us of our individual and collective responsibility as educators to remain steadfast in our efforts to support our students of color.

Whether or not students are allowed to mark their race, the fact remains that race matters, and our students of color face negative consequences as a result. For the last 27 years, the use of affirmative action in public college admissions has been banned in California with devastating results.

Preparing students of color for college starts in transitional kindergarten and preschool. That necessitates PreK-12 educators using instructional materials and pedagogy that are culturally and historically responsive and relevant, and districts hiring teachers and staff that reflect the diversity of California students.

All students need to be provided with robust and engaging coursework required for college admission. There is a need for each of us in our schools and districts to continually examine and change our local educational policies/practices that negatively impact the educational trajectory, directly or indirectly, for our students of color.

Colleges and universities also have a responsibility to ensure those directly involved in the admissions process pay close attention to and consider factors that indicate how race has impacted the applicant’s trajectory.

Institutes of higher education have the power to ensure any algorithm used in the selection process is bias resistant. Once students are admitted, colleges can level the playing field for students of color and those under-resourced by eliminating barriers in order for all students to successfully graduate from college.

Following the intent of ACSA’s mission, we will continue to be vigilant in all matters of equity. We have the power to advocate locally and statewide so that all of California’s students have equitable access to the highest quality education and are able to thrive in their academic journey.