HAMPTON, Va. — News of the Supreme Court's decision to end affirmative action in college admissions has spread across the country.
Members of the NAACP told us it's a step backward for the country.
Gaylene Kanoyton, with the Hampton branch of the NAACP, says the recent ruling is an attack on education for Black and Brown students. She believes the fight for equal rights has been continuous and that the 14th Amendment has not protected people of color as it should.
Kanoyton says that, currently, there are nine states where schools don’t recognize affirmative action, including more liberal states like California. Part of the argument behind the Supreme Court’s restriction of affirmative action is that it will create more equal opportunities for students. Though Kanoyton argues that getting rid of affirmative action contradicts that because schools like Harvard provide certain advantages to some families.
"It’s double jeopardy. Look at your Harvard's and Yale's and other prestigious schools. You have a legacy, you have a mission, you have how much money you make based on your income," said Kanoyton.
Hampton University is one of two HBCUs in Hampton Roads. According to Hampton President Darrell K. Williams, African American history of the school is rooted deep like the roots of a famous tree that stands tall on the campus.
"We've been here since 1868, right under that Emancipation Oak tree, and our sole mission was to provide an educational experience predominately for African Americans," said Williams.
Williams said the school has grown so much that freshman enrollment this year increased by more than 30%. He tells News 3 that people of color have proven to do great things when given a chance at a fair education.
"The vast majority of African American doctors began their education at an HBCU. The vast majority of African American lawyers and stem professionals so many of them did their work at historically black colleges and universities. That adds to the diversity of the fabric of America," said Williams.
During this concerning time, Hampton University says it will remain home to students, present and future, and that the achievements of students of color will continue.
"We are well-prepared to receive more applicants this year to attend our school. I want our students to know that nothing about the Supreme Court decision changes that reality for Hampton University, its students and its alumni," Williams said.
