Dr. Liliana Garces to Speak at St. Olaf College

"Affirmative Action and the US Supreme Court: Fisher v the University of Texas at Austin"

In June 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Fisher v. University of Texas, a highly anticipated case that educational and legal scholars believed would determine the fate of race-conscious postsecondary admissions policies (i.e. affirmative action) nationwide.  In the decision, the Court recognized the right of universities to pursue diversity as a compelling educational interest. The Court also emphasized that use of race as a factor in admissions, if challenged, requires a clear judicial finding that the campus has shown that it could not find a workable and feasible alternative that would produce the desired level of diversity.  Dr. Liliana M. Garces, assistant professor of higher education at Pennsylvania State University and counsel of record in one of the briefs filed in the case, will discuss the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling for postsecondary  institutions across the nation.  

This event is free and open to all.  Contact the Office of Multicultural Affairs, St. Olaf College with questions at 507-786-3060 or http://wp.stolaf.edu/mca/