In June 2023, the Supreme Court made a historic decision to end the use of affirmative action in college admissions. Colleges and universities can no longer consider the race of applicants as a factor in their admission processes, which has the potential to drive down underrepresented student enrollment and challenges higher education institutions to find alternative ways to increase diversity in their student body and maintain their commitment to inclusivity.

At the same time, a growing number of states have introduced legislation that would restrict, ban and defund diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at public universities and colleges. In addition, numerous civil-rights complaints have been filed against higher education institutions that have diversity scholarship programs or have accepted philanthropic funding for DEI initiatives.

A huge backlash on DEI efforts is seen in the corporate world as well. Corporate pipeline diversity fellowship programs such as the ones run by Perkins Coie LLP, Morrison & Foerster LLP, and Pfizer, have already been hit with lawsuits alleging they are discriminatory and exclude applicants based on their race. The firms have since made changes to their programs’ eligibility criteria. Grant programs for specific racial and gender groups, such as the Fearless Fund’s program for Black women entrepreneurs, have also been sued for violation of civil rights.

How is the Supreme Court's decision affecting the world of philanthropy and specifically foundations and corporations who are committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the academy, and to expanding access to higher education for students from historically underrepresented and marginalized groups? How could the court’s decision impact universities’ fundraising efforts for DEI programs and ability to accept funding with gender- and race-conscious elements?

Join us for a panel discussion with foundation and corporate representatives, and higher education legal experts as we discuss how they are responding to the Court's ruling, how they are navigating this new landscape, and how Corporate and Foundation Relations Officers can support efforts to increase diversity on college campuses.