Statement on Affirmative Action Ruling

Sent to: Michigan Engineering faculty, staff and students

Dear Michigan Engineering Community: 

This morning, we learned of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to significantly narrow how race can be considered in admissions policies. Along with University leadership, we remain steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

As stated in President Ono and Provost McCauley’s message, the University is not directly affected by this decision—we have been operating for the past 17 years without considering race in our admissions policies. Guided by our mission and values, we will continue to recruit and strive to attain a broadly diverse community of students, faculty and staff in equitable, evidence-based and legal ways. 

Engaging with a diverse cohort at Michigan Engineering helps us develop more effective solutions to problems, learn and grow as individuals, and be more successful when taking the next step in our academic or professional careers. The more perspectives a team has, and the more tools at its disposal, the better its capacity to solve complex problems. That is the value of diversity in all its forms.

The College is guided by our goals and the practice of people-first engineering, including excellent engineering fundamentals, a convergence of disciplines and equity-centered values. Today’s ruling does not diminish our commitment to these principles. 

Sincerely,

Steven Ceccio, Ph.D. 

Interim Dean, College of Engineering

Vincent T. and Gloria M. Gorguze Professor of Engineering