KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Basketball Coaches is preparing to submit an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court supporting affirmative action policies in university admissions and advocating for the value of campus diversity. As part of its efforts, the NABC has welcomed any current or former head college basketball coach to sign on in support of the brief.
The amicus brief will be submitted in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v President & Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v University of North Carolina. Both cases pending before the Supreme Court challenge admissions policies that consider race as one factor among many in a holistic, contextual review of college applicants.
In the brief, the NABC takes the position that holistic admissions policies are essential to creating diverse student bodies, and that exposure to this diversity enhances the student experience, the broader campus community, and society at large.
The NABC’s brief also points to the diversity of college athletic teams – often among the most diverse groups on campus – and the threats they will face should holistic admissions reviews be prohibited.
“University campuses and college athletics teams have long showcased the benefits of diverse educational experiences,” said Harvard coach Tommy Amaker, who also co-chairs the NABC Committee on Racial Reconciliation. “Inclusion is a core value of the NABC, and it would be negligent for us to remain silent on this important issue. We encourage all coaches, and ultimately the Supreme Court, to join us in valuing and protecting campus diversity.”
The NABC has long been an advocate for affirmative action and holistic admissions policies, and has filed multiple amicus briefs in prior court cases in which the practice faced challenges. Coaches interested in adding their names to the brief can contact the NABC office for instructions.
The NABC is represented by Jaime Santos at Goodwin Procter for this brief.
