AMDA Statement on the Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Ruling

June 30, 2023 - Announcements

Dear Members of the AMDA Community,

Yesterday, the Supreme Court delivered its decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College. The Court held that Harvard College’s admissions system does not comply with the principles of the equal protection clause embodied in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The Court also ruled that colleges and universities may consider in admissions decisions “an applicant’s discussion of how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration, or otherwise.” 

We write today to reaffirm that AMDA is committed to providing an unsurpassed performing arts education to a diverse community of creative artists. This commitment is as critical and true today as it was prior to the ruling. So too are the enduring values that have enabled us—and every institution of higher education—to pursue the high calling of educating dauntless creatives, leaders and bold thinkers with a commitment to dismantling existing structures that historically exclude and oppress minoritized groups. AMDA will continue to actively elevate and prioritize equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in our curriculum, creative productions, services, and administration. 

The rulings’ overarching impact on higher education will be discussed and debated throughout history. Institutions will need to be creative and strategic as we explore what is permissible for colleges and universities as they strive to create a racially diverse student body. Most crucially, we will continue to work towards the recruitment, retention, and advancement of students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented populations in higher education and the performing arts. The heart of our extraordinary institution is its people. AMDA will continue to be a lively community whose members come from all over the world and all walks of life. To our students, faculty, staff, and alumni—past, present, and future—who call AMDA your home, please know that you are, and will always be part of AMDA. Your phenomenal contributions to our community and the performing arts world continue to distinguish AMDA as a leader in the industry. The supreme court decision will never change that. 

Sincerely,

John Galgano
Chief Operating Officer/Chief of Staff

Chianti C. Blackmon
Vice President, Equity Diversity & Inclusion

Michael Angotti
Provost and Chief Academic Officer