Statement from Sandra Feldman,
President of the American Federation of Teachers,
on the U.S. Supreme Court Ruling Regarding Affirmative Action Policy at the University of Michigan

June 23, 2003

In upholding the affirmative action program at the University of Michigan’s law school, the Supreme Court has reaffirmed the core American values of equal opportunity and fairness and strengthened our nation’s commitment to a higher education system that affirmatively opens its doors to all.

Ensuring opportunity for the previously disadvantaged is a policy that benefits American business, advances intellectual achievement in the United States and enriches every aspect of our society. The pledge of equal opportunity for all is still America’s greatest promise to its citizens, so we applaud the court for upholding the very principles that define our democratic society and allow our nation to fulfill that promise.

Fifty years ago, the AFT voiced its unequivocal support for ending segregation in America’s schools through its role as the only education organization to file a brief in behalf of the plaintiffs in Brown v. Board of Education. The AFT continued its support for integration in the University of Michigan case with an amicus brief filed in support of the university. We are pleased that today’s ruling has upheld that same standard of wisdom and fairness, and we will continue our longstanding commitment to the value of racial and ethnic diversity and integration in American society.

CONTACT: John See
202-879-4458