Reps. Cheeks, Farrah, Vagnozzi, Woodward, McConico, Paletko, Kolb, Murphy, Adamini, Sheltrown, Accavitti, Phillips, Byrum, Dennis, Smith, Hunter, Whitmer, Hopgood, Hood, Jamnick, Lipsey, Gieleghem, Gleason, Tobocman, Waters, Clack, Condino, Reeves, Hardman, Stallworth, Meisner, Minore, Zelenko, Daniels, Rivet and Elkins offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 22.

            A resolution to express support for admissions policies that encourage racial diversity in academics at the University of Michigan and other institutions of higher education.

            Whereas, The ongoing debate over the University of Michigan's admissions policies provides an opportunity for our nation to address the role of education in shaping and reflecting our society and our country's place in the world.  The case before the United States Supreme Court is generating not only an examination of pertinent case law on the issue of race consciousness in university admissions, but also discussions on the value of diversity to every sector of our country; and

            Whereas, The University of Michigan's consideration of racial and other factors in its evaluation process is consistent with the United States Supreme Court's 1978 Bakke decision.  That landmark case validated the use of race as one of many factors that can be considered; and

            Whereas, It is significant to note that briefs in favor of the University of Michigan's admissions practices have been filed by many corporate and military leaders, as well as colleges across the country.  The arguments by corporate America reflect the realities of the global marketplace and the importance of cross-cultural understanding.  Military and defense leaders have articulated the fundamental role that diversity at all levels of the military has on our national security; and

            Whereas, There is a clear distinction between policies that are race sensitive and policies that are based on quotas or numerical targets.  The University of Michigan system for admissions clearly emphasizes--above all else--the academic track record of each applicant.  However, in order to provide an atmosphere that truly mirrors the world, admissions criteria include a variety of factors, including those that encourage diversity in ethnicity, geography, talents, and socioeconomics.  The benefits of the resultant diversity are many, as students are enriched enormously by interaction with people from many different backgrounds; and 

            Whereas, The track record of America's network of higher education is well known throughout the world.  It is a central strength of our nation.  To abandon policies that have contributed to this success would be short-sighted; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we express support for admissions policies that encourage racial diversity in academics at the University of Michigan and other institutions of higher education; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Regents and President of the University of Michigan and the United States Supreme Court.