Supreme Court upholds affirmative action and tribal court jurisdiction decisions

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The W.K. Kellogg Foundation applauds the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings, Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin and Dollar General v. Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to uphold an affirmative action program at the University of Texas, as well as tribal court jurisdiction over a non-Indian corporation doing business on a reservation signal a commitment to advancing programs and policies that address inequities resulting from the legacy of racism in the U.S.

We envision an America where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed. However, a continued belief in a racial hierarchy grounds much of our nation’s social, judicial and government policies. A persistent disparity in access to quality higher education is one of the greatest barriers faced by communities of color. In addition, the ruling confirms the tribal sovereignty and the governing authority over all people who come onto tribal lands. Tribal communities must be legally empowered to provide and protect their members, especially children.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation believes that both of these key decisions will help to affirm dignity and respect in some of our most historically underserved communities. These rulings demonstrate a commitment to advancing smart public policies that address the structural inequities that have impacted children and families of color for generations.