University of Georgia Files Appeal in Race-Based Admissions Ruling - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, August 31, 2000

SAVANNAH, GA.

The University of Georgia's president, Dr. Michael F. Adams, announced here earlier this month that the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia will pursue an "extremely vigorous" legal appeal of a federal judge's decision that the university could not use race as a factor in admissions (see Black Issues, Aug. 17).

"Increasing academic excellence is a great testament to this state's dedication to making the very best in higher education available to its citizens," Adams said at his annual back-to-school address.

The university will appeal the July decision to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Supporting the move are Democratic Gov. Roy E. Barnes, the university system's chancellor, Dr. Steven R. Portch, and the state Board of Regents.

"There is a deep difference of legal opinion among courts ruling in this area of law, and university administrators nationwide are not sure what is legal and what is not when it comes to establishing admissions policy," Adams said. "We have respect for the District Court, but we shall appeal its interpretation of the law because we believe this case has the potential to be decisive in this issue of national importance."

Meanwhile, university officials say they will comply with the court's ruling, substituting other measures to achieve diversity, including:

* Enhancing pre-collegiate academic programs which annually bring to campus thousands of young Georgians, including large numbers of minority students

* Increasing minority transfers through articulation arrangements with two- and four-year institutions, particularly emphasizing UGA majors that may not be available on the partner campuses

* Promoting UGA graduate programs to minority graduates of partner institutions, particularly in those academic fields experiencing a national shortage of minorities earning degrees

* Redoubling efforts to fund scholarships beyond tuition and fees.