<p>Look at the news, 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that voter approved bans on affirmative action are unconstitutional. What ramifications will this have for black students applying to the U of M. How about other states such as Washington and California. I personally this is a great development, provided the supreme court doesn't strike it down.</p>
<p>I personally think it’s a terrible set back to race relations. I hope to live long enough that race really doesn’t matter any more. And yes, I’m a minority.</p>
<p>Booooooooooooo</p>
<p>If you read the article you’ll see the Michigan ruling was made to conform to the Supreme Court which had previously ruled that race could be considered in admission. Michigan’s law was more restrictive in not allowing that consideration at all.</p>
<p>My understanding was that even before this Michigan still considered race as a factor, they just couldn’t assign it a quantifiable benefit. I could very well have that wrong, but this is something that is argued about in the Michigan forum all the time and that’s what I’d read.</p>
<p>I’m glad for this ruling. I think it’s appropriate.</p>
<p>Off they go to S.C.O.T.U.S.!</p>
<p>pugmadkate - I completely agree. We need to value diversity and we are not far enough along in this country to think all opportunities are equal.</p>
<p>For those who might be interested, here’s an article which argues both sides somewhat fairly:</p>
<p>[Appeals</a> court panel strikes down Michigan’s affirmative action ban | Detroit Free Press | freep.com](<a href=“http://www.freep.com/article/20110702/NEWS06/107020403/Appeals-court-panel-strikes-down-Michigan-s-affirmative-action-ban]Appeals”>http://www.freep.com/article/20110702/NEWS06/107020403/Appeals-court-panel-strikes-down-Michigan-s-affirmative-action-ban)</p>
<p>I am delighted that the Sixth Circuit issued this ruling (and quite surprised, given that I live and practice law in the Sixth Circuit, which is generally quite conservative on social and constitutional issues). I agree with Erin’s Dad about the basis for the decision. More importantly, given that admission is granted or denied based on legacy status, need for financial aid, geographic diversity, balance between the sexes, and a myriad of other non-academic criteria, racial diversity must be included.</p>