Monday, June 23, 2003

Dear Members of the Board of Trustees:

Howard University is pleased with the Supreme Court's decision that higher education institutions may use race as a factor in admission decisions to achieve diversity. As you are aware, the Court upheld the decision of the Court of Appeals in the University of Michigan's Law School case (Grutter v Bollinger). We were especially pleased to note that the Court's decision was consistent with the principal elements of the University's amicus brief filed earlier this year. The Howard brief stressed the need for an understanding of the broader principle of racial and ethnic diversity in America's higher education system, and asserted that such diversity plays a critical role in preparing young people for leadership and other pursuits that affect the public interest.

We were further heartened by the fact that the Court emphasized that, at this time in our nation's history, affirmative steps must continue to be taken to combat vestiges of past discrimination and ensure equality of opportunity for all. This decision, we feel, will ensure that young people of color can retain their aspirations for leadership through quality education and professional training.

With respect to the automatic distribution of 20 points to underrepresented minority applicants to the University of Michigan's undergraduate programs, the Supreme Court found those practices unconstitutional. Rather than viewing this as a defeat, we believe instead that it is an opportunity for higher education institutions to be creative and imaginative in crafting programs that both are constitutional and will adequately prepare students for the challenges they will face.

As we rejoice in the Court's decision today, please be assured that we have not lost sight of the fact that the great struggle for an open and fair society continues. Howard University is counting on your continued support in this struggle. Additionally, we are making this a central message in the various media opportunities that have resulted from this decision. Already, our students have been interviewed by NBC-4 and ABC, Channel 7, and Dean Schmoke by the Philadelphia Enquirer, Atlanta Journal Constitution and the Detroit News. I have a pending interview with Fox-5 News and the University's official statement is being sent to Blackcollege.com, a website frequently used by college students.

If you would like more information on the Supreme Court's decision, please visit: www.supremecourtus.gov

Yours Sincerely,

H. Patrick Swygert
President