Michigan Affirmative Action Case

Letter JALSA organized from community groups on University of Michigan Affirmative Action Case

To the Boston Globe

March 31, 2003

In hearing arguments on two Michigan cases this week, the Supreme Court will revisit its thoughtful 1978 decision of Regents of the University of California v. Bakke in which it held that consideration of race was a legitimate part of the admissions process.

Institutions of higher learning have long sought to attract students from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Academic accomplishments, musical, athletic, dramatic ability, community service, even where an applicant lives - all these factors are taken into account in the quest for a rich learning environment that prepares students for the increasingly diverse world where they will live and work.

Conservative interest groups, joined by the Bush Administration, would limit that important flexibility in judgement and bar schools from considering race as a factor in admissions.

Applying Bakke has not only encouraged the enrollment of thousands of Hispanic and African American students, who have not been adequately represented in our institutions of higher learning, but has also strengthened the educational experience of thousands of white students.

To abandon successful policies, even as our society becomes more diverse, would be a tragic mistake Integration remains a goal not an accomplishment. Affirmative Action only helps us to strive for a level playing field that we have not yet reached. Racial preferences for whites have existed for many years, eg. the College Alumni Legacy system. The doors of higher education must truly be open to a broad cross section of students. Our society is still struggling to fully realize the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Brown v. Board of Education. Justices today should reaffirm the words of Earl Warren. Separate was not equal 50 years ago and it is no more equal today. The substance of the Bakke decision must continue to stand.

Signed by:

Sheila Decter,
Jewish Alliance for Law and Social Action

Paul Marcus,
Community Change, Inc.

David H. Harris, Jr.,
Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law of the Boston Bar Association, Inc.

Mary Ann Hardenbergh,
Massachusetts Coalition for Equitable Education and
Greater Boston Civil Rights Coalition

Andrew Leong,
University of Massachusetts-Boston (for identification only)

Tom Louie,
Massachusetts English Plus

Darnell Williams,
Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, Inc.

Leonard Alkins,
NAACP, Boston Branch

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