Affirmative Action Ruling Challenges Colleges Seeking Diversity

The U.S. Supreme Court’s support of Michigan’s ban on race-based affirmative action in university admissions may spur colleges to find new ways to achieve diversity without using racial preferences.

The court yesterday upheld a voter referendum outlawing affirmative action at Michigan’s public universities. At least eight states including California, Arizona and Florida already have halted preferences for racial minorities in college admissions. Opponents of admissions affirmative action are planning referendums in at least three states: Ohio, Missouri and Utah.