RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN RESPONSE TO THE JUNE 2023 SUPREME COURT BAN ON THE USE OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS 

Whereas, affirmative action was established in 1961 to promote equal treatment regardless of race, color, religion, and national origin, later expanded to include gender in 1971; and 

Whereas, affirmative action addresses systemic discrimination by ensuring opportunities for marginalized groups and admitting qualified individuals traditionally excluded based on gender, race, ethnicity, and disabilities; and 

Whereas, affirmative action has significantly impacted employment patterns and diversity in educational institutions; and 

Whereas, in 1978, the Supreme Court allowed race as a factor in college admissions but prohibited quotas; and 

Whereas, the Supreme Court upheld diversity benefits in education but struck down quota­ like admissions policies in 2003; and 

Whereas, in June 2023 the Supreme Court banned the use of affirmative action in college admissions presenting Asian American applicants as victims of affirmative action and unfair admission policies disregarding their decades-long fight for equity; Therefore, be it 

Resolved, the UFT continues its support of affirmative action and seeks federal legislation to uphold its original intent and be it further 

Resolved, the UFT reaffirms the need for affirmative action to ensure representation and promote diversity and opportunity for all marginalized groups in all sectors; finally, be it 

Resolved, the UFT asserts that affirmative action should continue until discrimination no longer exists in America and will address misconceptions and challenges to affirmative action policies.