CHICAGO – State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago) issued the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court limited how universities may consider race in admissions decisions:

“Equal education rights for all should be a fundamental value of this country. Yet, with the Supreme Court’s decision, America has taken a step backward in our fight to end racial bias and discrimination in education. It’s acceptable for college admissions to consider if your parent graduated from the school or if you can play a sport well – things that often come from money and privilege – but not by where you come from? It is unconscionable that this court continues to disregard efforts to make our country more inclusive while at the same time diminishing the centuries of disinvestment that continue to impede pathways to equal opportunity for all.

“At the state level, I am grateful for the commitment made by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to continue to fight for equity and inclusion. I vow to ensure all students in Illinois – regardless of race or ZIP code – have equal opportunities to higher education.”