Dear Students,

As you may have already seen in the news, the Supreme Court ruling on the Harvard affirmative action case was released earlier today.

Across the University, we are reviewing the Supreme Court’s decision and will refrain from commenting on its details until we fully understand the implications. As we prepare to comply with the law, GSAPP’s commitment to our values is unwavering. The work to increase our diversity and inclusivity is of crucial importance to us, to our research, our pedagogies, and our practices; we can and must find a durable and meaningful path to continue it.

GSAPP represents a wide array of experiences and backgrounds, of sensitivities, knowledge, bodies, and situations. Our relevance and our legitimacy depend on our capacity to bring the complexity the world is made of to the School, and to make sure we interrogate and confront our participation in systems of exclusion. Our commitment to diversity shapes what, and how, we teach, practice, and research. This is an ongoing commitment.

GSAPP’s efforts are aligned with Columbia University’s commitment to uphold diversity while complying with the law. I look forward to discussing the outcome of this ruling with you throughout the coming weeks and months to explore the consequences, and to hear your thoughts. In the meantime, I encourage you to also read the University’s Statement and President Bollinger’s commentary on the topic.

Sincerely,

Andrés Jaque
Dean