Castaneda: “This backwards step will have a devastating impact on many SEIU members’ kids who would be the first in their families to attend college.”

In response to the Supreme Court’s decision striking down affirmative action, Maria Castaneda, chair of the SEIU Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, issued the following statement. Maria is also the Sr. Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU and Vice President of SEIU.

NEW YORK – “As a Filipina American leader within SEIU, I represent diverse workers. We are appalled by the Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action. This backwards step will have a devastating impact on many SEIU members’ children who would be the first in their families to attend college. With this ruling, the Supreme Court has snatched away a ladder that has helped many disadvantaged young people succeed in college admissions and beyond. Moveover, it has treated Asian Pacific Islanders as tokens, using the “model minority myth” to dismantle affirmative action and divide people of color.

The MAGA justices who delivered this decision overlooked the deep and lasting legacy of slavery, segregation and colonialism that impacts all working families, but especially Black, Indigenous and immigrant workers who are trapped in poverty wage jobs. Those who work in essential fields such as healthcare and fast food work hard, hoping to save enough to send their kids to college, part of the American dream. Many families do not have access or the ability to pay for programs and activities that can give kids from higher income backgrounds an edge.

Union members of all races and places overwhelmingly support affirmative action because they know that diversity is our strength – in the workplace and in education and other parts of our lives.We know this decision is another attempt to sow division and we aren’t going to fall for it. Today, I, alongside our SEIU Asian Pacific Islander Caucus, recommit ourselves to owning our stake in winning fair policies that unite communities, including improving access to higher education for socially disadvantaged students of color. We will show them our strength by continuing to organize and mobilize our members and the larger community for the change we believe in.”