Greensboro - Rep. Jon Hardister (R- Guilford) issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision related to the use of affirmative action on college campuses:

I applaud the decision made by the Supreme Court regarding affirmative action on college campuses. People should be treated equally, regardless of immutable characteristics. We should judge people on their merits, not the color of their skin. No matter how well-intentioned, race-based admissions promote racial discrimination and cause division in our society. If we want to move forward as a more just nation, we need to stop this sordid affair of dividing ourselves based on race. This ruling is a positive step towards fairness and equality in our society.

Hardister co-chairs the NC House Education - Universities Committee along with Rep. Ray Pickett (R-Watauga). Earlier this year Hardister announced his candidacy for NC Labor Commissioner.