USC Rossier’s commitment to education equity and student support

Greetings USC Rossier community,

Two of the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings–race-blind admissions and student loan forgiveness–will have significant impacts on higher education in the United States. Though the setbacks are significant, I want to reassure our students, faculty, staff and colleagues of USC Rossier’s ongoing commitment to educational equity and diversity, and to provide support to students who require financial assistance as they pursue their education.

Regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on university admissions, President Folt has reiterated USC’s commitment to excellence and diversity. We will continue to serve outstanding students from a wide variety of backgrounds and from across the globe.

The student loan decision is also gravely disappointing. The cost of higher education remains a significant obstacle to many of our students, and the debt many are compelled to incur often has an adverse effect on their professional careers and wellbeing. USC Rossier remains committed to prioritizing scholarships for our students in our fundraising efforts. Our goal is to work toward ensuring that financial burden will not hinder access to education for our students.

Provided are USC Rossier and University resources that may be useful to support our efforts to create a learning environment that is diverse and welcoming.

• USC Rossier Education Equity Initiative’s vision is to create a world in which schools are responsive to the unique needs of every child and learning leads to an expansion of the opportunities available to them throughout their lives.
• USC Race and Equity Center values intersectionality with other identities and therefore aims to advance equity for all persons experiencing marginalization.
• University Professor Shaun R. Harper, founder of the USC Race and Equity Center, also hosted a national forum on Affirmative (Re)action.
• Diversity at USC offers student services, advocacy contacts, school-specific initiatives and financial aid opportunities for the USC student community.
• USC Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX coordinates the university’s compliance with federal and state civil rights laws regarding protected characteristics.
• For students who are eligible, I encourage you to explore the USC Financial Aid page.

While these and other recent decisions by the court are significant setbacks for many in American society, we will not allow them to undermine our dedication to the pursuit of USC Rossier’s mission.

As always, Fight On!

Pedro A. Noguera, PhD
Distinguished Professor of Education
Emery Stoops and Joyce King Stoops Dean
USC Rossier School of Education