President Drake statement in response to U.S. Supreme Court opinion in Fisher v University of Texas

Ohio State is committed to the principle that academic excellence is not possible without a diverse and inclusive community. For four decades, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly recognized that diversity is a vital part of the higher education experience and a legitimate pursuit for colleges and universities. While we will take time to carefully analyze the ruling, we are pleased that today’s opinion reaffirms this principle.

As a physician and medical researcher, I have seen firsthand how emphasizing inclusiveness in medical education translates into more effective and comprehensive research and medical care for our diverse society. In our university labs and classrooms, diversity sparks innovation, strengthens cultural understanding, amplifies creative work, broadens scholarly benefits to society and produces more competent workers and thinkers.