CSU Reaffirms Commitment to Diversity in Illinois’ Higher Education System

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued rulings in two cases that restrict the consideration of race in college and university admissions decisions. Although CSU does not currently consider race in our admissions decisions, we recognize the rulings may create uncertainty, particularly around the state and nation’s ability to equitably increase access to a postsecondary education for students of color. Simultaneously, data from the Illinois Board of Higher Education demonstrates that Black student enrollment declined 37% since 2013. Several systemic barriers created this startling decline; the Supreme Court acknowledged today that the legal system has at times allowed the continuation of barriers to equal access to education.

CSU maintains our unwavering commitment to lawfully support and enhance all dimensions of student diversity. Our commitment to providing meaningful access to a college education to all students, particularly students of color, is essential not only for the growth and health of our economy, but also for the quality of our educational experience. We recognize that graduating well-rounded citizens with strong critical thinking skills requires exposure to students with varied perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.

CSU remains laser focused, within the bounds of the law, on supporting Black students’ access to a college degree. We remain committed not only because we are Illinois’ only U.S. Department of Education designated four-year Predominantly Black Institution, but also because the data is clear that Illinois is headed in the wrong direction with college access and success for Black students. CSU is proud to serve as a state and national leader on increasing Black students’ access to a college degree through multiple channels, including:

• Early college exposure: CSU is facilitating a college-going culture in our neighborhood schools by running six summer enrichment programs reaching over 200 children and teens as well as providing dual enrollment courses free-of-charge to over 100 high school students this last academic year.
• Affordable college offering: CSU not only has the most affordable tuition and fees rate of the public universities in the City of Chicago, but the institution also provides millions in scholarship programs. One key student success program is Rise Academy with free tuition and fees scholarships for freshmen students.
• Decision-maker engagement: CSU, working with the University of Baltimore, has formed a national coalition of Predominantly Black Institutions (PBI) with partnership from 21 institutions. Together we are educating Congress, the White House, the U.S. Department of Education, and others on PBI’s impact in supporting underrepresented students to secure a college education. CSU has led similar work at the state level, including forming an Illinois Center for Education Equity to advance equitable access to higher education.

CSU will fully adhere to the requirements set forward by the Court’s decisions, following guidance that we anticipate will come from education agencies and education law scholars. While we are still determining whether adjustments in our current policies are required, we will center our work around our vision of a higher education ecosystem that equitably draws on the talents of all races and ethnicities in Illinois.

 

Forward together,