June 29, 2023
Dear School of Medicine community:
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued decisions in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. (SFFA) v. President and Fellows of Harvard and SFFA v. University of North Carolina. These rulings end the use of race as an explicit factor in admissions to colleges and universities. You can read a message from Emory University President Gregory L. Fenves here.
I assure you that our commitment to diversity is not diminished by this decision. As President Fenves noted, our current admissions process evaluates each applicant as an individual. We continue to evaluate the ruling and how it will affect our admissions process in the SOM, but we will do everything within our legal authority to continue fostering a diverse community—not only ensuring a rich learning experience but better and more equitable patient care and research.
Diversity is critical for health equity and, as members of the Atlanta community, we recognize the persistent disparities in health and outcomes that exist in our community. Decades of research recognizes the undeniable benefits of diversity for improving the health of people everywhere.
I want to reaffirm our values in light of this ruling, and reassure you that we remain committed to advancing diversity in our community within the boundaries of the law. Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential in pursuing excellence in innovation, education and patient care.
Sincerely,
Carlos del Rio, MD, FIDSA, FACP
Interim Dean, Emory University School of Medicine
Interim Chief Academic Officer, Emory Healthcare
Leon L. Haley, Jr. MD Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine