Joint Center Lukewarm About Split Supreme Court Decision on Michigan Affirmative Action Plans

6/24/2003

From: Liselle Yorke of the Joint Center, 202-789-6366 or lyorke@jointcenter.org

WASHINGTON, June 24 -- The Joint Center for Political and Economic praised yesterday's Supreme Court decision to uphold the University of Michigan's affirmative action admissions policy for its law school, but is dismayed that the court ruled against the school's undergraduate admissions plan.

"Racial diversity and inclusion on our university and college campuses are important tools in ensuring that all get the opportunity to participate on an equal footing," said Eddie N. Williams, president of the Joint Center. "Although we are disappointed that the court struck down the undergraduates admission policy, we are relieved that justices said that the federal government has a compelling interest in promoting racial diversity on our campuses."

As an organization committed to improving the socio-economic status of African Americans and other groups, the Joint Center has closely followed the Michigan cases' path to the Supreme Court. In its monthly policy magazine, FOCUS, it applauded the strong stand taken by more than 60 organizations and groups that filed amicus curie briefs in support of Michigan's position. It also convened public discussions between Linda Chavez and Judith Winston who sit on opposite sides of the issue and welcomed Lee C. Bollinger, former president of the University of Michigan, to lay out his case in support of the university's system at the Joint Center's annual dinner.

"Many opponents of the Michigan system have conveniently forgetten that race has been an integral factor in American society for over 400 years and that the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow has not disappeared," said Michael R. Wenger, director of the Joint Center's Network of Alliances Bridging Race and Ethnicity (NABRE), which promotes racial healing in communities. "The support Michigan has won from a broad cross-section of corporations, state governments, religious bodies and former military leaders demonstrates, however, that many understand that the unfinished business of healing America's racial wounds remains ahead of us.

The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, conducts research and analyses on public policy issues of concern to African Americans and other minorities, promotes their involvement in the governance process, and operates programs that create coalitions within the minority, business, and diverse communities. For more information, visit http://www.jointcenter.org.