STATEMENT OF ROBERT E. HIRSHON,
President, American Bar Association
May 14, 2002

Regarding May 14, 2002 Ruling by U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit In Grutter v. Bollinger

The American Bar Association is absolutely delighted that the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals advanced the cause of justice for all Americans by ruling that the University of Michigan Law School and all law schools in the Sixth Circuit may consider race as a factor in admissions decisions. Although the decision is limited to the Sixth Circuit, this ruling offers guidance to law schools in other circuits that are committed to providing the American dream to all Americans. As an alumnus of the University of Michigan I am especially proud of the courage demonstrated by the entire university community in vigorously defending this litigation filed against it.

As the American Bar Association stated in its brief, diversity of the bar is essential if we are both to reflect the growing diversity within our society and to foster public confidence that our legal system is fair, unbiased and inclusive. Most importantly, diversity is crucial if we are to preserve and enhance public trust in our system of government during these difficult times.

Contact: Nancy Cowger Slonim
Phone: 312/988-6132
E-mail: [email protected]

Online: http://www.abanet.org/media

Questions? Comments? Please send e-mail to diversitymatters@umich.edu.
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