U.S. Supreme Court ruling

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

In the coming days, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on two cases with potential impacts for higher education in our country, specifically in admissions. The lawsuits — Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina — challenge the use of race-conscious admissions practices by colleges and universities.

We are communicating in advance of the decisions to assure the university community that we have been monitoring the cases, are planning for potential policy changes, and will share clear guidance based on the decisions. The Office of Academic Affairs has convened a group that is working closely with colleges and units across Ohio State, as well as the Office of Legal Affairs, to anticipate potential impacts to university policies and practices, develop solutions to respond quickly to the decisions and update policies and practices to comply with the law. 

Right now, we expect any changes to admissions to go into effect immediately and to be forward-looking, without impacting our current students’ place at the university.

Again, we will share more as we review the decisions — and remain committed to teaching, research, academic freedom, considerate discourse and support for each other as Buckeyes. 

Thank you,

Melissa L. Gilliam
Executive Vice President and Provost

James Orr
Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management