AFSCME - AFSCME President Gerald W. McEntee's Statement on Supreme Court Ruling on Affirmative Action

Our nation is better and stronger today because the Supreme Court reiterated America's commitment to affirmative action in ruling for the University of Michigan's affirmative action admission policy for graduate students. As we approach the 50th anniversary of Brown v. the Board of Education, it is heartening to see that the Court clearly recognizes that the country still has a long way to go toward achieving racial equality.

Today's decision made it clear that diversity and excellence are not mutually exclusive. This decision legitimizes the nation's contention that a diverse and racially integrated campus benefits all students. America's national security and economy can only benefit by recruiting men and women of diverse races and backgrounds, who have had the opportunity to be educated in our post-graduate programs.

On the other hand, it is unfortunate that the highest court in the land has excluded minority undergraduates from the same opportunities. By opposing the University's undergraduate admission policy, the Bush Administration has impeded efforts to overcome our nation's history of discrimination. Today's decision strengthens our resolve to fight for judicial appointees who will hand down balanced, fair and equitable rulings.

AFSCME’s 1.6 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in hundreds of different occupations – from nurses to corrections officers, child care providers to sanitation workers – AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and prosperity and opportunity for all working families.

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American Federation of State, County
and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO
1625 L Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-5687
Telephone (202) 429-1145
Fax (202) 429-1120