June 29, 2023
Dear Pratt Community,
Today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that affirmative action policies are significantly curtailed in the admissions process at institutions of higher education. Like many of you, I am deeply disappointed by this ruling. I want to assure you that, at Pratt, we will continue the work that our founder Charles Pratt began more than 135 years ago, when our doors opened to all regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic status. At the heart of our institution, we prioritize diversity and inclusion, welcome students from all walks of life, and open pathways to more equitable workplaces and careers.
As artists, designers, and innovators, we know that diversity fosters creativity. As educators, we believe that excellence requires all voices and positive change comes from the full range of human experiences. Providing opportunities and building pathways is critical to achieving a more equitable world and that begins with access to education. From the opening of our Saturday Art School in 1897 to the Design Works High School opening this fall, Pratt has encouraged diverse students to pursue a creative education and become changemakers in their communities.
Moving forward, we will continue to review each student’s admission application to Pratt holistically, confident that in so doing, we will recruit a class whose members we value for their individual strengths, accomplishments, and potential for growth. We seek to create a community that reflects and helps to shape the world we live in, informed by the variety of experiences, personal histories, viewpoints, and aspirations of all. This goal will remain present in our admissions process, which has always taken into consideration the range of experiences and circumstances of all our applicants.
Going forward, we will review our policies and practices to ensure we uphold our commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion even as we work within the bounds of the law. Nothing can change our core values, who we are, what we believe in, and how we serve as catalysts for meaningful change.
Sincerely,
Frances Bronet
President