The Supreme Court upheld a Michigan voter initiative that banned racial preferences in admissions to the state’s public universities in the case Schuette v. Bamn. The American Anthropological Association filed an amicus curiae (“friend of the court”) brief in this case, supporting the universities’ use of race in admissions. A considerable body of research provides convincing evidence that student body diversity promotes learning outcomes, and better prepares students for an increasingly diverse workforce and society.
AAA Executive Director, Dr. Edward Liebow said “today’s Supreme Court decision suggests a world view that race has no place in such important life altering events as university admissions choices.” He argues on the contrary, “this decision flies in the face of social science research that shows how race matters.”
The American Anthropological Association’s public education project, RACE: Are We So Different? helps to promote a broad understanding of race and human variation, including the importance of diversity. The RACE Project has produced to date an award-winning public education program entitled RACE Are We So Different? The program includes a traveling museum exhibit, an interactive website, and educational materials.
