Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, alongside a coalition of 15 attorneys general, has issued guidance to help K-12 schools, colleges, and universities understand the legal framework surrounding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility policies. This guidance builds on previous directives from AG Campbell and the Healey-Driscoll Administration following the Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College (SFFA) ruling.
The new guidance responds to recent Executive Orders and a February 14th "Dear Colleague" letter from the U.S. Department of Education addressing these policies in educational institutions. The coalition emphasizes that these documents do not alter existing laws or longstanding legal precedents.
The SFFA ruling limits higher education institutions' ability to consider race as a positive factor in admissions. However, the guidance clarifies that schools can still diversify their applicant pools through recruitment efforts without giving preference based on racial status. Schools are encouraged to target outreach based on various characteristics such as academic interests and socioeconomic status.
K-12 schools are urged to create environments where all students feel safe and respected by reviewing practices for compliance with anti-discrimination laws and adopting community-focused programs. The guidance also outlines steps for preparing students from underrepresented backgrounds for college or careers.
AG Campbell co-led this initiative with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and New York Attorney General Letitia James, joined by attorneys general from California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont.