Dear Colleagues:

Yesterday’s Supreme Court's decision that resulted in striking down Affirmative Action in college admissions programs is disappointing and troubling. The decision to overturn long-standing affirmative action practices means that colleges and universities can no longer consider race a specific factor in admissions. While we are still evaluating the practical effects of this ruling on MiraCosta College, we acknowledge that there will be consequences for our students who wish to pursue higher education at institutions where affirmative action has been utilized in admissions. This decision erodes efforts to break cycles of generational poverty through access to higher education and comes at a time when efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion are already being undermined.  

Today, the Supreme Court also rejected a plan to cancel student loan debt that will impact millions of borrowers. Student debt disproportionately affects marginalized families, hinders the economy, and impedes the ability of countless individuals to access affordable higher education.

MiraCosta College takes pride in being open access and an affordable option to 100 percent of all who apply. We recognize that our commitment to being a racially just campus means ensuring that education is both affordable and accessible to the communities that we serve with programs focused on the success of our disproportionately impacted students. These decisions will not impact our commitment to address disparities, close equity gaps, and support our students in pursuing their educational goals.

Sincerely,

Sunita V. Cooke, Ph.D.

Superintendent/President