Detroit Branch NAACP Applauds US 6th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling Declaring Michigan's Affirmative Action Ban Unconstitutional

Official Press Statement issued by Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President, Detroit Branch NAACP

DETROIT, Nov. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Detroit Branch NAACP is pleased to know that there is still justice and equal opportunity in our nation. This has been a long battle which has involved many diverse groups and individuals from around our nation. The effects of Proposal 2, which led to a ban in college admissions as relates to affirmative action, have not served our nation well. We knew when this ruling was made that it would have a negative effect on students of diverse backgrounds seeking to advance themselves academically in universities throughout our state.

This ruling serves as evidence that in the struggle for equal opportunity one must continue to struggle, remain persistent and keep their eyes on the prize as it relates to advanced opportunity. The ruling by the court makes it very clear that majority students have many options as they seek to advance their college vocation. Yet minority students are often trapped into a long journey of legal and extracurricular processes to gain college admittance. As majority students have the benefit of legacy, family, geographic location, and financial advancement, minority students are not often privileged with the same opportunities.

The court indicated that it places an unfair burden on minority students who do seek to advance themselves academically without the advantage of such privileges. This is a step forward for diversity in Michigan and sends a signal to those around the nation that in the consideration of college admittance, a consideration of race as a factor is just as significant as other factors which may ultimately determine college admittance.

We, in the Detroit Branch NAACP, have never advocated that one should simply be admitted to college based on his race - just as we have never advocated that one should be admitted to college because of his legacy, financial ability to pay, or family heritage. Yet in considering the national importance and significance to the growth and multicultural tradition of our nation, race is a factor that should be taken into consideration.

While we applaud this decision today, we know that there is still a national debate on this subject before the US Supreme Court. We will remain vigilant to make certain that America lives up to its creed and its purpose to provide equal opportunity for all its citizens.

The Detroit Branch NAACP is the organizations largest branch.  For more information on the Detroit Branch NAACP please call (313) 871-2087 or visit www.detroitnaacp.org.

SOURCE Detroit Branch NAACP

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