President Biden has announced a series of actions aimed at promoting educational opportunity and diversity in colleges and universities. The recent Supreme Court's decision in two cases — Students for Fair Admissions Inc. (SFFA) v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and SFFA v. University of North Carolina - has raised concerns about the progress made in advancing racial equity and civil rights in higher education. As colleges and universities reassess their admissions processes, President Biden is calling on them to expand access to educational opportunity for all students. This includes considering the adversities students have overcome, such as financial means, upbringing, and personal experiences of hardship or discrimination. By valuing resilience and determination, colleges and universities can create inclusive and diverse student bodies.

The Biden-Harris Administration is taking immediate steps to support colleges and universities in their efforts. They will provide clarity on lawful admissions practices and offer assistance in administering programs to support students from underserved communities. A National Summit on Educational Opportunity will be convened to share lessons learned and develop resources for expanding access to educational opportunity. A report on strategies for increasing diversity and educational opportunity, including the consideration of adversity, will be released. Transparency in college admissions and enrollment practices will be increased, and support will be provided to states in analyzing data to enhance access to educational opportunity.

These initiatives build upon the administration's commitment to ensure all students have the opportunity to access higher education. Efforts include securing historic increases in Pell Grants, prioritizing college completion, supporting Minority-Serving Institutions, and addressing issues in the student loan system. Measures like cutting monthly loan payments in half for undergraduate loans and fixing the broken Public Service Loan Forgiveness program aim to alleviate the burden of student debt and provide relief to borrowers.

The Biden-Harris Administration remains dedicated to advancing educational equity and creating pathways to success for all students, fostering a society that benefits from the diverse perspectives and talents found across our nation's colleges and universities.