Matt Sinovic is the Executive Director of Progress Iowa, a multi-issue progressive advocacy organization.

Iowans know everyone deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or economic status. We know education is one of the greatest methods to achieve success, and we believe talented students from all backgrounds deserve a fair shot to overcome obstacles to educational opportunity.

We also know that the greatest opportunity to learn comes in diverse settings, where we can discuss with and learn from people of different races, religions, and ethnicities. Learning from people with different backgrounds benefits our nation, our communities, our workforce and our students. 

As the U.S. Supreme Court takes up two affirmative-action cases, Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, we affirm that racial diversity in educational settings is necessary because the world outside of school is diverse. The U.S. Census Bureau shows that the diversity of the country’s population is increasing. Colleges train students to participate in the world, and immersing them in diverse environments is necessary to succeed. Affirmative action ensures that universities can create these environments for all students to grow. 

Though we will not know the Court’s decision for many months, we know affirmative action benefits everyone by creating educational environments that mirror our country, and by allowing everyone the opportunity to earn a degree.

Top photo of U.S. Supreme Court building by Brandon Bourdages, available via Shutterstock.