For Immediate Release
July 26, 2023
Contact:
Rachel Noerdlinger, rnoerdlinger@actumllc.com
Emma Brodsky, ebrodsky@actumllc.com
ON THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DESEGREGATION OF THE MILITARY, FPWA CALLS OUT EXEMPTION OF MILITARY ACADEMIES IN SCOTUS AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STRIKE-DOWN
Exemption Threatens To Widen The Racial Wealth Gap By Limiting Black Americans’ Educational Opportunities, Perpetuating Predatory Military Recruiting Practices
New York, NY (July 26, 2023) – Today, FPWA CEO Jennifer Austin Jones released the following statement to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces. This comes weeks after the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action in colleges and universities exempted military academies from this ban. FPWA’s new analysis on the lack of civil rights progress since the 1963 March on Washington underscores the disastrous implications of this ruling for Black Americans – who already suffer from a racial wealth gap that has been widening over the last 60 years.
“On the 75th anniversary of the desegregation of the U.S. military, we must call out the Supreme Court’s decision to exempt military academies from their affirmative action decision. This unexplained double standard speaks volumes to the Court’s narrow view on the kind of educational and career opportunities that should be available to Black and Brown students. It allows military recruiters to continue to prey on vulnerable low-income students of color by presenting a military career as one of the surest ways to exit cycles of poverty. Despite serving at higher rates, Black recruits face rampant discrimination, racism, and disproportionate punishment.
We must ensure Black children have access to other means of education and employment. Our recent findings show Black students are already 1.5X less likely to graduate from college than their white peers. Those that do graduate owe an average $25,000 more in debt than white college graduates, because even with identical degrees, Black graduates make 20% less per year. This is a racial and economic justice issue that warrants immediate attention and action. FPWA will continue to fight the structural barriers that have maintained the disenfranchisement of Black and Brown Americans for over 400 years.”
About FPWA
FPWA is an anti-poverty policy and advocacy organization committed to advancing economic opportunity, justice, and upward mobility for New Yorkers with low incomes. Since 1922, FPWA has driven groundbreaking policy reforms to better serve those in need. We work to dismantle the systemic barriers that impede economic security and well-being and strengthen the capacity of human services agencies and faith organizations so New Yorkers with lower incomes can thrive and live with dignity.
Find out more at fpwa.org, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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