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HOUSE DEMOCRATIC WHIP HOYER ON THE SUPREME COURT RULING UPHOLDING AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

WASHINGTON – House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the Supreme Court ruling upholding the University of Michigan Law School’s admissions process that permits race to be taken into consideration as one factor among many when selecting incoming students:

“The Court’s decision in this case reaffirms the importance of ensuring diversity at our colleges and universities.  Although the Court, in a companion case, did not entirely uphold the undergraduate policy, this decision regarding the law school’s admissions policy is consistent with the views of educators, CEOs and military leaders who strongly support diversity on our college campuses, in the workplace, and in the military.

“The Court’s decision sends a clear signal that states have a compelling interest in promoting diversity.  Although we have traveled far from the days of governors standing in the school house door to defend segregation, our society has not yet ended discrimination or torn down the other barriers that many minorities must overcome to achieve the American dream.  Programs like the University of Michigan Law School’s help continue the process of creating an equal opportunity society.  This is a landmark decision that will help assure diverse student bodies, an integrated military and a business community that can serve the needs of a global marketplace.”

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