Philadelphia Bar Applauds Supreme Court Ruling Upholding Affirmative Action

July 24, 2003

Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Audrey C. Talley today applauded the decision of the United States Supreme Court upholding the flexible affirmative action approach of the University of Michigan Law School.

Speaking for the state's largest local bar association, Talley said that the high court has clearly recognized the validity and importance of affirmative action. "Ensuring the effective participation by all segments of society is absolutely critical. It's an important goal," the Chancellor added.

"By reaffirming that race can be considered to help achieve this goal the Court has placed affirmative action where it belongs-among our very highest priorities," Talley said. The Chancellor noted that the Philadelphia Bar Association has long supported affirmative action and that earlier this year it adopted a Resolution supporting The University of Michigan Law School in its effort to retain the program. "This decision will help us to build a legal profession that reflects the American society it serves," Talley explained. "It also gives a green light to institutions at every level in both the private and public sectors telling them to continue to pursue well-conceived, carefully planned, flexible affirmative action programs that open the door to all."

Talley said the Philadelphia Bar Association will continue to work with law schools, law firms and other institutions and organizations to help them sustain and increase diversity. "The Philadelphia Bar Association has been doing everything it can to encourage diversity in every way that it can for quite some time. We are now delighted to have this strong, positive signal from the nation's highest court which effectively tells us to continue to work in this direction. Let us all take heed," the Chancellor concluded.

CONTACT: DANIEL A. CIRUCCI
PHONE: 215-238-6340