In response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision striking down race-based admissions policies, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll have unveiled a set of recommendations aimed at promoting equitable access to higher education across the state. These recommendations, developed by the administration’s Advisory Council to Advance Representation in Education (ACARE), focus on improving recruitment, admissions, and support for historically underrepresented students.
Announced at Westfield High School, the initiative aims to preserve diversity and accessibility in higher education for all students, particularly students of color and those from underserved communities. Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler emphasized the state’s commitment to fostering inclusive educational environments despite the Supreme Court ruling.
“Our message is clear: students of all backgrounds will continue to receive a high-quality education in Massachusetts,” Governor Healey said in a public release. “These recommendations are critical to ensuring higher education remains accessible to all.”
The report outlines five key areas of focus: Increasing exposure to higher education for K-12 students, re-engaging adult learners, implementing innovative admissions policies, enhancing financial aid equity, and supporting persistence and completion rates among underserved students.
These efforts build on the administration’s previous actions, including doubling financial aid and making community college free for Massachusetts students. Lt. Governor Driscoll said in the release, “Today’s actions are another step forward in making higher education more affordable and accessible for all.”
ACARE, led by Tutwiler and Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega, comprises a diverse range of stakeholders including student representatives and civil rights advocates. The council’s recommendations also include implementing holistic admissions models, expanding early college opportunities, and increasing support for students through wraparound services such as mental health resources and emergency financial aid.
Ortega emphasized the importance of continuing to fight for equity in education. “This report shows that significant, intentional work is required to reverse historic inequities in higher education,” he said.
