Brief of Amici Curiae on Behalf of a Committee of Concerned Black Graduates of ABA Accredited Law Schools, et al. in Support of Respondents in Grutter v. Bollinger, et al.
Legal Brief - February 19, 2003 -
- Correcting the systemic ways traditional admissions criteria embed racial preferences is a compelling state interest.
- Universities are constitutionally permitted to counteract racial preferences embedded in traditional admissions criteria. Properly understood, affirmative action is not a preference but an effective and efficient mechanism to counteract racial preferences.
- Racial diversity is a compelling state interest because it satisfies the academic and democratic mission of public universities and the mission of the University of Michigan. Because race is not simply skin color, but a marker for social status, experience, and access to wealth, racial diversity serves the academic mission of public universities and promotes the democratic mission of public schools.
- Genuine racial diversity at the University of Michigan Law School requires some race consciousness. The admissions program is narrowly tailored. Percentage plans are not race neutral alternatives to race conscious admissions.
