WKKF Statement on Affirmative Action Ruling

“Our founder, W.K. Kellogg, believed that education offers the greatest opportunity for generational change, and that’s why, at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we’ve spent nearly a century working with communities to build a more equitable world where every child has access to the opportunities they need to thrive. This vision for a more just and expansive future became more challenging today.”

“The rulings announced by the U.S. Supreme Court in two affirmative action cases will make it more difficult to address barriers young people of color face on the path to college. These rulings take away an important framework to address deeply rooted historic and systemic racism and are likely to remove bridges that have played a pivotal role in access to equitable opportunities. The work of forging new paths that lead to higher education and supporting students from diverse backgrounds at every step just became even more important.”

“In this defining moment, we remain steadfastly committed to the fight for racial equity and opportunity for all students. We will look to students, advocates, colleges and universities for their leadership on policies that help more students of color access and be successful in higher education. The work of organizations fighting to ensure that all children, from early childhood through K-12 and beyond, have access to a high-quality education and equitable pathways to opportunity now takes on increasing urgency. “

“This all comes at a time when many racial equity practices and policies are under attack. In the face of these attacks, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation is committed to our grantees, partners, and our shared communities. We draw strength and hope from the creativity, persistence and inspired actions of the people fighting on the frontlines for racial equity.”