The University of Michigan
Information on Admissions Lawsuits

News Releases & Articles | Statements by University Leaders & Others | Press Kits, Photos & Media Contacts
¡En Español! | Archived Documents | U-M News Service | U-M Gateway

Supporting Research Court Filings Legal Overview FAQs What's New Admissions Lawsuits Home Page

Statement From James W. Compton,
President & CEO of the Chicago Urban League,
Regarding the U.S. Supreme Court's Ruling on the
University of Michigan Admission's Policies

June 23, 2003

CHICAGO, June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement was released today by James W. Compton, President & CEO of the Chicago Urban League:

"The U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling today that race can be considered among other factors in applications for admissions to universities vindicates those of us who have consistently and incontrovertibly held fast to the important proposition that policies and guidelines governing the consideration given African Americans for admission would pass constitutional scrutiny.

The ruling further supports our contention that such policies would be deemed necessary to sustain a just and equitable educational system that contributes to a desirable pursuit of diversity and equal opportunity.

While the Court did rule 6-3 against the university's undergraduate admissions structure, we remain hopeful and energized that both the University of Michigan and opponents of affirmative action immediately will begin to re-consider fair-minded methods to ensure that African Americans, other minorities and the poor gain equitable consideration and support in their desire to pursue an education, which always has been the bridge to broader possibilities and opportunities.

The immediate and long-term impact of the Court upholding the law school's admissions program is significantly similar to the historic impact of the seminal 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education case, which positively reverberated throughout the nation's housing, lending and employment arenas, among others. I anticipate the impact of today's ruling will have a similar and much-needed positive effect throughout America's education business, commerce, industry, among many others." Chicago Urban League

CONTACT: Derrick K. Baker of Chicago Urban League, +1-773-451-3528

Top of page



Questions? Comments? Please send e-mail to diversitymatters@umich.edu.
Site last updated: September 5, 2012.   Copyright © 1997–2013 Regents of the University of Michigan.