Brodhead Statement on Diversity and Supreme Court Decision

Duke President Richard H. Brodhead sent the following statement to members of the Duke community Friday:

"We are very pleased that the U.S. Supreme Court decided earlier this week that diversity in our student bodies is indeed a compelling national interest. In Fisher v University of Texas at Austin, the Court recognized a principle consistently held by Duke and other American universities -- that an educational environment teeming with a broad range of experiences, backgrounds and viewpoints creates the richest learning outcomes for our students. This kind of environment produces fully-developed thinkers who, as active members of society, have the abilities to solve complex real-world problems upon their graduation. We have studied the Court's decision carefully and we remain committed to our principles as we welcome the world-class student bodies that define Duke and other American universities."