As a coalition of affinity groups representing Black, Latine, and Asian students at WashU, we are deeply disappointed by the substantial decline in students of color enrolling at WashU.

Student Life sat down with Grace Chapin James, Executive Director of Undergraduate Admissions, to unpack how the Supreme Court’s decision to overrule affirmative action will impact future classes at Washington University. 

The University must consider other areas such as legacy admissions to further demonstrate continued commitment to socioeconomic diversity.

Chancellor Andrew Martin released a statement on June 29 on behalf of the Washington University administration in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action at higher education institutions. 

Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor participated in a public discussion with Chancellor Andrew Martin on April 5. (Zoe Oppenheimer/Student Life)

This is terrifying. I cannot overstate the amount of fear that Thursday’s vote inspires in me—more, somehow, than Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings in 2018.

To reflect on Justice Ginsburg’s legacy and the near future of the Court, Student Life called Lee Epstein, Washington University’s Ethan A.H. Shepley Distinguished University Professor. Epstein is a political scientist whose research has focused on legal institutions and the behavior of judges.

It hurts to feel ignored, and it hurts even more to feel ignored and not have the ability to do anything about it. Even though as voters, we may not have the ability to directly influence Supreme Court decisions, there are other ways to fight for what we believe in.

When Christine Blasey Ford came forward Sept. 16, one question seemed to rise to national prominence along with her: Should people be held accountable for mistakes they made years ago?

This past Saturday, the Supreme Court lost its longest-serving and most illustrious member. Justice Antonin Scalia was a legendary conservative known for his wit, strict interpretation of the law, resistance to progressive actions and scathing dissents.