A Message From President Shushok: Regarding the Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action

Dear Maroons,

I hope you’ve had an opportunity to meet some of our remarkable new students and their families during orientation over the last two weeks. In every conversation I’ve had, new Maroons have shared that they chose Roanoke College because they feel welcome here—a testament to how deeply our community values different perspectives, experiences, values, strengths, and ways of thinking. I couldn’t be prouder, and I am grateful to each of you for creating such a community of welcome and care. 

Our culture at Roanoke reflects the "rooted and open" calling at the heart of Lutheran higher education, which calls for our "appreciation and cultivation of diversity in its many forms" and reminds us to "welcome all and learn from all." If you have not read the ELCA’s Rooted and Open document, or if it’s been a while since you revisited it, I strongly encourage you to take a few moments to read it today. The commitments and philosophy it offers are especially important at this time in our society and in light of today’s ruling by the Supreme Court, restricting colleges and universities from considering race as one element of the admissions process.

As a 21st-century learning community, we remain unrelenting in our commitment to advancing access, diversity, inclusion, and belonging at Roanoke College. We understand that diversity in all its forms encourages critical thinking; fosters empathy; and forges paths for new ideas, learning, and growth. From our work with community and industry partners, we also know that to prepare our students for careers of today and tomorrow, we must equip them with the skills and dispositions to work, lead, serve, and communicate in an increasingly complex and diverse world.

While the Court’s ruling may have some effects on our current admissions processes, which include a holistic review of every applicant’s academic record, co-curricular engagement, and unique life experiences, our values and goals will remain unchanged. We will continue to evolve in our approach to recruiting and to creating a student-ready, student-first culture and reputation that will make Roanoke College a prized destination for students of all backgrounds. 

Warmly and with hope,

President Frank Shushok Jr.
Roanoke College