Pausing to appreciate two recent Supreme Court decisions
To the members of the MIT community,
Even in these tumultuous times, one pleasure of being in community with each other is rejoicing in each other’s victories.
This week brought two decisions from the US Supreme Court that stand as profound, welcome, inspiring victories for many individuals at MIT – and therefore for our whole community.
The rulings were different in kind and in their immediate impact at MIT: The first was a landmark decision making clear that federal law prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace; although such protections have long been MIT policy, we can still savor this historic progress towards equity.
The second ruling extended the crucial protections of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This decision offers a wonderful and unexpected reprieve for the members of our community known as Dreamers – a victory MIT has actively argued for in the courts and in the public square. But – even as we savor this moment – we know we must still continue to push for a lasting legislative solution.
When good news can feel scarce, let us take joy in progress where we find it.
With appreciation for every one of you, and for the caring community we strive to make together,
L. Rafael Reif