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Press Releases
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Cites Pitzer President Emeritus Melvin L. Oliver’s Research in SCOTUS Affirmative Action Dissent

Claremont, Calif. (July 12, 2023)—In her dissent to the Supreme Court’s June decision against affirmative action in college admissions, U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson cited Pitzer President Emeritus Melvin L. Oliver’s research regarding racial wealth disparity in America. Jackson pulled several of her points from Black Wealth/White Wealth: A New Perspective on
[Read More...] July 12, 2023
Press Releases
The Racial Wealth Gap

Claremont, Calif. (March 24, 2021)—Pitzer College President Melvin L. Oliver and Brandeis University Professor Thomas M. Shapiro literally wrote the book on the racial wealth gap more than 25 years ago. First published in 1995, Oliver and Shapiro’s Black Wealth/White Wealth: A New Perspective on Racial Inequality changed the way we understand economic disparities and their connection to policy, history, and systemic racism in America.
March 24, 2021
In the News

"Born with two strikes: How systemic racism shaped George Floyd's life and hobbled his ambition"Washington Post, 10.08.20
Press Releases
Pitzer College Launches Racial Justice Initiative Inaugural Panel

Pitzer College President Melvin L. Oliver’s Racial Justice Initiative, which seeks to embed the study of racial violence and justice throughout the campus and curriculum, will launch its inaugural panel on Thursday, September 10.
September 3, 2020
In the News

"How coronavirus could change college life: Outdoor classes, small group dorms, takeout dining"Los Angeles Times, 04.30.20
Press Releases
Pitzer College President Melvin L. Oliver Elected to National Academy of Education

Pitzer College President Melvin L. Oliver is one of 15 education scholars and the only college president nationally to be elected to membership in the National Academy of Education (NAEd) in 2020. He also serves as the only member elected from a liberal arts institution. The NAEd is a nonprofit and non-governmental organization that advances high-quality education research and its use in policy and practice.
March 3, 2020
Video
2019 Pitzer College Convocation

Pitzer College hosts Convocation for the incoming class of 2023 and new incoming students.
September 3, 2019
Video
President Melvin L. Oliver, Opening Remarks

Pitzer College President Melvin L. Oliver welcomes friends and families and gives the opening remarks at Pitzer's 55th annual Commencement held on May 18, 2019.
May 18, 2019
Video
Pitzer College Convocation 2018
September 6, 2018
In the News

INSIGHT Into Diversity