The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) has issued a statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned the precedent of considering race in college admissions. In the June 29 press release, ADEA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in oral health education.
"ADEA supports our community of schools, faculty, educators, and their respective oral health programs in compliance with federal law admissions practices," ADEA stated.
On June 29, the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action as a way for colleges to bolster diverse student bodies. The ruling overturning the decades-old precedent came in response to challenges to the admission systems at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.
ADEA stated that additional communication would be forthcoming regarding the impact of the ruling on its members. It also reiterated its commitment to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards, including a learning environment that fosters respect, tolerance, understanding, and concern for others.
"ADEA maintains its commitment to develop programs and initiatives to help our Member Institutions fulfill the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards related to a humanistic environment, graduating culturally competent oral health professionals, in alignment with of our vision of a well-prepared and diverse oral health workforce that is improving the health of all individuals and communities," the association stated.
