Report backs the use of race in admissions
By John Teschner | April 11, 2000This week the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights plans to release a report that strongly criticizes an alternative to affirmative action used by colleges in California, Texas and Florida. These colleges have stopped using race as a factor in admissions and instead have passed legislation guaranteeing that the top 10 or 20 percent of graduating students from each of the state's high schools will have a place in that state's public university system. Commission members voted six to two to condemn the use of the system, endorsing racial preferences as the best way to ensure diversity on college campuses. Commission members encouraged President Clinton to support strongly the defense of affirmative action in college admissions processes. This issue has implications in the upcoming presidential race, where the likely Democratic and Republican contenders have opposing views on the issue. Democratic candidate Vice President Al Gore has voiced his support for affirmative action, while Republican Texas Gov.