June 29, 2023

Dear colleagues:

A vibrant teaching and learning community made up of people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences is simply essential to an academically excellent education that prepares students to navigate and contribute to our global society. The University of Illinois System will remain true to our abiding and fundamental commitment to access, equity and inclusion for students from all backgrounds and from all parts of our state and beyond.

Vital to our mission is a welcoming environment and a shared set of core values, including respect for differing and diverse points of view and for those who express them. The University of Illinois System will continue to open its doors wide to all deserving students—including those for whom opportunities may have been unfairly limited.

We will carefully review the specifics of today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision related to the use of affirmative action in admissions practices at Harvard College and the University of North Carolina. As always, we will ensure that practices and policies at our three universities continue to comply with federal and state laws.

In considering today’s ruling, we ask that all members of the University of Illinois System family keep in mind that our community’s diversity is both vital and cherished—and that open, civil debate is at the heart of our work to ensure that all can learn, grow and flourish.

Tim Killeen
President
University of Illinois System

Marie Lynn Miranda
Chancellor Elect
University of Illinois Chicago

Janet Gooch
Chancellor
University of Illinois Springfield

Robert Jones
Chancellor
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign