Thursday, September 20, 2012

Public University Leaders Tout Value of College, Affirmative Action - Higher Education

Public University Leaders Tout Value of College, Affirmative Action - Higher Education: With the U.S. Supreme Court soon expected to hear arguments in an affirmative action case, two leaders of public colleges and universities outlined their strong support for the continued use of race as a factor in admissions at a Washington, D.C. forum on Wednesday.

“I’m a huge believer in affirmative action,” said Dr. Mary Sue Coleman, University of Michigan president, at the National Press Club forum. Although Michigan has banned the use of racial preferences in the state, she said a similar decision nationally would be “a huge loss” in advancing diversity.

“It’s a complete falsehood that it’s depriving qualified people of an education,” she added.