Press Releases

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement in response to reports that the Department of Justice plans to investigate affirmative action programs at the nation's colleges and universities:

"I was frankly dumbstruck to read news reports alleging a plan by the Department of Justice to challenge affirmative action programs at colleges and universities. The first question that came to mind was: Why?

These programs give historically under- and unrepresented students the opportunity to pursue higher education, which in turn enables classrooms and workplaces to reflect the country's diversity. They strengthen our country by making it more equitable and competitive. Everybody wins.

"I cannot, however, say that I was surprised by this news. It is just one more attempt by the Trump administration to turn back history, hard-won civil rights and other protections, and divide the nation. In six short months, the Justice Department has sought to erase consent decrees put in place to reduce abuses by police departments and relaunch a failed and discriminatory war on drugs. The White House has established a fraudulent election ‘integrity' commission and rolled back policies that are particularly key to making minority communities environmentally safe. Its budget slashes funding for public schools and safety net programs.

"My next question is: What's next?"