Senator Shelley B. Mayer Statement on Recent Supreme Court Decisions

"Last week’s Supreme Court decisions reflect the impact of a Trump-appointed Supreme Court majority that was determined to rule on cases in a manner that expressed their personal views on public policy, acting as a “super legislature,” rather than their role as the judges of the highest court in the land. Their decisions and their clear desire to reverse years of precedent that had moved America forward will continue to undermine the faith of Americans in this great institution. I was particularly dismayed that in some of these cases, the Court actually decided in matters where there was no plaintiff that was actually harmed. Courts are supposed to rule on cases, not accept manufactured scenarios to make a point. Sadly, just one year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, eliminating a right that was long deemed constitutionally-protected, this Supreme Court majority continues to upend decades of precedents designed to protect Americans, expand opportunities, and ensure our institutions reflect the beautiful diversity of our nation.

"The decision to strike down affirmative action undermines efforts to expand opportunities and diversify universities and companies across the nation. Clinging to colorblindness is disingenuous in a nation where African American, Hispanic, and Native communities have been historically and persistently disadvantaged. Our nation is not colorblind - and we all know it. Every institution – university, business, and doctor’s office – is strengthened and more effective when it includes diverse perspectives to advance our society through ideas and experiences. This is a terrible blow to this important effort. 

"Then, on Friday, the Supreme Court ruled that, under the pretext of free speech, businesses can refuse services to LGBTQ+ individuals, even though the website designer complaining was never even asked to provide a website for an LGBTQ+ couple. This decision is painful to the LGBTQ+ community, and raises serious concerns about what other market activities and public accommodations - including those governed by New York’s Human Rights Law -  will be denied on the basis of the First Amendment. 

"Finally, the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down President Biden’s student debt relief plan allowed the Attorney Generals’ of conservative-leaning states  – who could show no harm – to advance their agenda to reject the Biden plan and impose thousands of dollars of debt onto those burdened with student loans. This decision undermines opportunities for those most burdened with debt, but I am confident the President has identified an effective – if more lengthy –  path forward to provide much needed relief to those who incur college loan debt, including those who did not complete their degrees and their families.  

"These recent Supreme Court decisions will have a real and searing personal and economic impact on millions of Americans and send a devastating message about the progress that we have made. But as with every setback, the fight is not over. In New York State, we will continue to do everything we can to protect and expand opportunities for all New Yorkers. It is what all New Yorkers deserve, and it is the right path to a more resilient economy and a stronger, more just society."