July 1, 2023

 

The Gotham Scholars community is deeply saddened by the Supreme Court's ruling to reject affirmative action in college admissions. This decision represents a significant setback for racial justice and will have a profound impact on Black and Brown, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Affirmative action has played a vital role in increasing diversity in higher education and breaking down barriers for BIPOC students. It has ensured that colleges and universities reflect the rich tapestry of our society and provide equal opportunities for all students to thrive.

 

However, Gotham Scholars remains resolute in our commitment to fighting for racial justice and ensuring that every student has an equal chance to succeed. We will continue our efforts to foster diversity in higher education and dismantle the systems of oppression that hinder BIPOC students from realizing their full potential.

 

Internally, we remain committed t to our mission of providing equitable access to higher education for FGLI and highly-motivated public high school students. We recognize that the ruling further highlights the need for organizations like ours to work tirelessly to address systemic barriers and empower marginalized communities. This ruling strengthens our resolve to support our students. 

 

Gotham Scholars will continue to provide comprehensive resources, mentorship, and guidance to empower our scholars to navigate the challenges they may face in pursuing their academic and professional journeys.

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We will continue to provide:

• Year round academic enrichment to support students in strengthening their skills and deepen their intellectual curiosity

• Weekly professional mentorship to provide students with a person in their corner to help support them in reaching their academic goals

• College readiness, access and success support to ensure they diversify the college classrooms, boardrooms and beyond

• Mindfulness classes to support the stress that breaking barriers adds to their lives

 

In addition to our holistic approach to academic enrichment, social/emotional support, and life skill mentorship:

• We will educate our community about the importance of affirmative action and the impact of its elimination.

• We will continue to provide support and resources to BIPOC students through their college application process

• We will partner with other organizations to fight for affirmative action, racial justice and empower our scholars with the tools they need to succeed in their journey

• We will create safe spaces for open discussion and information sharing among our larger community

• We will remain committed to support both the scholars and their parent/guardians as we navigate the implications of this ruling

 

We stand in solidarity with BIPOC communities, understanding that this setback only fuels our determination to create opportunities for educational equity.  Together, we will persist in our efforts to ensure every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

 

With deepest passion for positive change,

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Sheila Patel

Founder / Executive Director Gotham Scholars, Inc.