The AFL-CIO applauds today’s Supreme Court decision affirming the University of Michigan Law School’s use of race as one of many factors in the admissions process. The decision is a victory for America’s working families because it preserves the important principle that a diverse student body benefits institutions of higher learning and, ultimately, America’s workplaces and our communities.

The AFL-CIO filed a friend-of-the-court brief in support of the University stating that a solid affirmative action program in our nation’s university system is one of the first steps to reducing prejudice and stereotypes in workplaces. We strongly agree with Justice O’Connor’s holding that a diverse student body promotes learning outcomes, and that education among diverse peers is of “overriding importance of preparing students for work and citizenship.” Studies have shown that white, African American and Hispanic students who have gone to school with diverse peers are more likely to succeed in integrated workplaces.

The law school decision provides a road-map for institutions of higher education to follow in seeking a diverse student body. These institutions may seek to admit a “critical mass” of minority students so long as they do not employ a rigid quota.

The Court rejected the Bush Administration’s argument that so called percentage-plans represented a race neutral alternative. In opposing the University’s affirmative action plan, the Bush Administration showed that it fails to recognize the importance of exposing students to the many rich cultures and ethnicities that embody our nation’s population.

While it is regrettable that the Court rejected the full University of Michigan’s undergraduate admissions program, the University and other forward-looking institutions may now proceed to institute constitutional admissions policies that take race into consideration.

Contact: Suzanne Ffolkes 202-637-5018