Supreme Court Rulings

To: Members of the Tufts Community
From: President Lawrence S. Bacow
Date: June 24, 2003

The Supreme Court issued two long-awaited decisions in the University of Michigan affirmative action cases yesterday, providing guidance on the use of race as one factor in admissions policy.

In one case, the Court struck down an explicit point system used by the undergraduate admissions office at the University of Michigan. In the other case, the Court upheld the University of Michigan Law School policy that took into consideration individualized attributes of candidates for admission, including race.

I am pleased that the Court has now created a roadmap that will enable Tufts University and other schools across the country to continue to enroll students who enrich the educational environment for all students on campus. As you know, Tufts values diversity--in every dimension--as a critical element in adequately preparing students for a rapidly changing world.

Since many members of our community may be asked by colleagues, friends and family for their thoughts on this important ruling, I thought an expansion of the University's perspective on this matter might be helpful.

All of us are limited by our experience and range of perspective. As a result, we learn from our differences. At Tufts, first-hand experience and personal interaction with students from different cultures and backgrounds create learning opportunities for all members of our community.
We consider more than a limited range of objective characteristics in deciding whom to admit to Tufts. We look for students who are interested in different subjects, extracurricular activities, and careers. We seek to admit a class that provides each student with access to an extraordinarily interesting, diverse and distinctive set of friends and classmates. This diversity contributes to an exceptional education.
Earlier this year, we joined other private and public colleges, military and corporate leaders by supporting an amicus curiae brief submitted to the Court. This brief emphasized our firm belief in the importance of diversity in ensuring the excellence and effectiveness of higher education in a complex, interdependent world. Our brief was one of the few briefs cited by the Court.

I am pleased that yesterday's Supreme Court decision recognizes, in the words of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, that colleges and universities have a "compelling interest in attaining a diverse student body," and that race may be considered as one factor in furthering this interest. Tufts played a modest but important role in helping to shape this landmark decision.

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	v 2003 Memos > School of Veterinary Medicine > The 2003 Issam M. Fares Lecture > The War in Iraq > Supreme Court Rulings > Hancock Announcement > New Dean of Tufts' School of Medicine > President's Marathon Challenge > December Holiday Announcement	Home » Community Memos » 2003 Memos » Supreme Court Rulings Supreme Court Rulings To: Members of the Tufts Community From: President Lawrence S. Bacow Date: June 24, 2003 The Supreme Court issued two long-awaited decisions in the University of Michigan affirmative action cases yesterday, providing guidance on the use of race as one factor in admissions policy. In one case, the Court struck down an explicit point system used by the undergraduate admissions office at the University of Michigan. In the other case, the Court upheld the University of Michigan Law School policy that took into consideration individualized attributes of candidates for admission, including race. I am pleased that the Court has now created a roadmap that will enable Tufts University and other schools across the country to continue to enroll students who enrich the educational environment for all students on campus. As you know, Tufts values diversity--in every dimension--as a critical element in adequately preparing students for a rapidly changing world. Since many members of our community may be asked by colleagues, friends and family for their thoughts on this important ruling, I thought an expansion of the University's perspective on this matter might be helpful. All of us are limited by our experience and range of perspective. As a result, we learn from our differences. At Tufts, first-hand experience and personal interaction with students from different cultures and backgrounds create learning opportunities for all members of our community. We consider more than a limited range of objective characteristics in deciding whom to admit to Tufts. We look for students who are interested in different subjects, extracurricular activities, and careers. We seek to admit a class that provides each student with access to an extraordinarily interesting, diverse and distinctive set of friends and classmates. This diversity contributes to an exceptional education. Earlier this year, we joined other private and public colleges, military and corporate leaders by supporting an amicus curiae brief submitted to the Court. This brief emphasized our firm belief in the importance of diversity in ensuring the excellence and effectiveness of higher education in a complex, interdependent world. Our brief was one of the few briefs cited by the Court. I am pleased that yesterday's Supreme Court decision recognizes, in the words of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, that colleges and universities have a "compelling interest in attaining a diverse student body," and that race may be considered as one factor in furthering this interest. Tufts played a modest but important role in helping to shape this landmark decision.
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