Response to Supreme Court Ruling

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States officially announced its ruling on the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case, effectively striking down Roe v. Wade. 

As president of one of the largest women’s colleges in the country, I felt it was important to respond to this change in rights that have stood for nearly 50 years.

While there is no singular view on this change, many see today’s ruling as a regression for women’s rights and dismissive of their ability to think for themselves. Since its founding, Meredith has stood for the integrity of women as strong thinkers who are prepared for lives of impact.  A ruling that defies a woman’s intellect and right to determine what happens to her own body not only delves blatantly into a woman’s privacy but also signals disrespect for her decision-making and careful weighing of all sides of that decision

Not all persons in our community will share the same viewpoints. That’s okay. Meredith College is a place that deeply values the diversity of opinion and respectful freedom of speech and expression on this and dozens of other controversial issues. It’s part of what makes our community strong. 

–President Jo Allen