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Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Welcomes Court Decision in Michigan Affirmative Action Case
(WASHINGTON, DC) -- Leaders of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus
welcomed
the decision Tuesday by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals to
uphold as
constitutional the University of Michigan Law School's efforts to create
a
diverse student body.
In its opinion on Grutter v. Bollinger, the court affirmed that the
University of Michigan Law School has a compelling interest in creating
a
diverse student body and struck down a lower court decision that would
have
undone the law school's admissions policy.
"Today's decision by the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals sends a
signal
to universities and colleges around the country that a comprehensive and
balanced admissions policy makes good sense for schools and students,
and
that such policies are constitutional," said Rep. Silvestre Reyes
(D-TX),
Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC). "The court has dealt
a
serious blow to those who seek to eliminate any consideration of
diversity
from university admissions policies."
"Today's decision gives an important boost to minority students across
the
country who are working hard to advance their way through our country's
educational system," said Rep. Charlie Gonzalez, Chair of the CHC Civil
Rights Task Force. "The court has recognized that the University of
Michigan's Law School admissions policy is a constitutional and fair
process
that increases diversity and that in fact, such a policy serves a
compelling
state interest. This is a matter of inclusion of minorities in a
university's student body and extending educational opportunities to all
students. The University of Michigan should be commended for instituting
such a policy and defending it in court."
For more information please contact Corine Walworth at 202-225-4831. |