Statement of the American Association for Affirmative Action

NEWS
Statement of the American Association for Affirmative Action
On the United States Supreme Court’s Decision to Hear the Fisher v. University of Texas Case
Affirmative Action association urges Court to uphold its 2003 decision allowing race as one of many factors in higher education admissions

For Immediate Release: February 21, 2012
Contact: Shirley J. Wilcher
202-349-9855
240-893-9475

Washington, D.C., February 21, 2012 – Today, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to grant certiorari in the affirmative action case of Fisher v. University of Texas. The American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA), an organization of equal opportunity, affirmative action and diversity professionals founded in 1974, urges the Court to follow its own precedent in the Grutter v. Bollinger case in 2003 and continue to hold that diversity in higher education admissions is a compelling state interest. Colleges and universities should be able to consider the whole student, including a student’s race among many factors, to determine who is admitted.

AAAA President Gregory T. Chambers stated: “Now that the Supreme Court has decided to revisit the question of race in admissions decisions, an issue that we hoped had been decided in 2003, we urge the Court to respect its own precedent and uphold the use of race among many factors in higher education admissions.”

“AAAA will actively monitor the briefs and oral arguments offered in the Fisher case,” added Chambers. “As the nation’s demographics indicate, this nation is becoming increasingly diverse and it is not the time to close the doors of opportunity based on race or national origin. Our future depends upon all qualified individuals receiving a chance to compete in education, employment and business.”

Founded in 1974, the American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA) is a national not-for-profit association of professionals working in the areas of affirmative action, equal opportunity, and diversity. AAAA assists its members to be more successful and productive in their careers. It also promotes understanding and advocacy of affirmative action to enhance access and equality in employment, economic and educational opportunities.

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www.affirmativeaction.org
American Association for Affirmative Action
888 16th Street, NW
Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
202.349.9855