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Atkinson issues statement on Supreme Court affirmative action ruling

University of California President Richard Atkinson this week said he was gratified by the Supreme Court's decision on a University of Michigan law school admissions case.

"The court's action to uphold the principles of affirmative action sends an important message that diversity can be one of many compelling considerations in admitting students to our nation's most selective universities," said Atkinson. "As president of the University of California, I also respect the decision of the California voters, who in 1996 eliminated consideration of race and ethnicity in state university admissions. The University of California will continue to comply with Proposition 209, and we will continue to work through other, legal means to achieve excellence and diversity on our campuses."

The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the use of affirmative action in University of Michigan law school admissions, though the court struck down some specifics of the Michigan undergraduate admissions policy. The ruling does not have a direct, immediate impact on UC because of Proposition 209 (i.e. the court is allowing limited race-conscious admissions policies but obviously is not requiring them, and California voters have already banned them).

Atkinson's statement is available at http://www.ucop.edu/news/archives/2003/june23art1.htm online. The statement links to a UC Web site with more information.

For more information, also see this Chronicle of Higher Education article online.

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