The American Sociological Association (ASA) commended the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on June 23 in the affirmative action case Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin. The judgment allows the university to continue using race as a factor in admissions decisions.

“This ruling is an important victory for diversity in higher education,” said ASA Executive Officer Sally T. Hillsman. “Scientific research shows that having a diverse student body leads to a number of educational benefits, including a decline in prejudice, improvements in students’ cognitive skills and self-confidence, and better classroom environments.”

In October 2015, the ASA and eight other science organizations joined the American Educational Research Association in filing an amicus curie brief with the Supreme Court in the Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin case, urging the court to consider the scientific evidence during its deliberations.

“It is the responsibility of the ASA and our sister organizations to ensure that the courts have the necessary social science research on hand to inform their decisions,” Hillsman said. “This is not a responsibility we take lightly.”