On June 29, 2023 and June 30, 2023, University System of Maryland Chancellor Jay A. Perman responded to the United States Supreme Court decisions on race-conscious admissions and President Biden's $400 billion student forgiveness plan.
The University System of Maryland is Maryland's public higher education system that is responsible for 12 institutions including the University of Maryland, 3 regional higher education centers, and a system office to improve the quality and service within higher education. Attached below are a couple of blurbs from Jay A. Perman regarding his responses to the (6-2) and (6-3) decisions on denying affirmative action and Biden's student forgiveness plan:
Race-Conscious Admissions
Today, the Supreme Court released its opinion in two cases concerning affirmative action in college admissions. The court’s majority opinion in these cases rejects 45 years of precedent affirming the constitutionality of race-conscious admissions.
The court’s ruling prohibits colleges and universities from considering a student’s race as a factor influencing admissions decisions—even among many other factors. And while the opinion does not state outright that student diversity is not a compelling state interest, neither does it affirm that it is. We strongly believe the established body of research proving that diverse learning environments provide educational benefits that better prepare students for work, for life, and for leadership. This is the very purpose of higher education.
Student Forgiveness Plan
Today, the Supreme Court struck down President Biden’s student loan forgiveness program. We empathize with the Americans struggling under significant debt who needed this financial lifeline. At the University System of Maryland, we’re committed to making college affordable, so that our students don’t have to take out loans in the first place.
Moreover, half of all USM undergraduates complete their degree without any tuition debt. That’s because our universities have prioritized financial aid. Together, they awarded $180 million last year to 45,000 students with financial need. In less than a decade, the amount of university money distributed annually in aid has grown by 50 percent, as has the number of students receiving it.
