Washington, D.C., June 25, 2003 - In a victory for civil rights advocates and minority students who aspire to higher education, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled this week to uphold the use of race as a factor for admissions to post-secondary institutions. While this ruling placed qualifications on specific affirmative action policies, the Court acknowledges the benefits of a diverse student body and the benefits that this has on the workforce and American society.

At issue were the two Supreme Court cases: Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger that challenge the University of Michigan's right to consider race as a plus factor in its law school and undergraduate admissions processes.

The Supreme Court's decision upheld the use of race as a plus factor in the University of Michigan's Law School policy, but ruled that the undergraduate policy of assigning specific "points" to candidates based on race violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and is unconstitutional.

MANA, A National Latina Organization (MANA) has supported the University of Michigan in this case and has advocated for affirmative action. Together with a coalition of Latino organizations in support of affirmative action, participation in a press conference, and multiple radio interviews with stations across the country, MANA asserted it's endorsement of the University of Michigan case. "

As an organization with the mission to empower Latinas, MANA applauds the Supreme Court's decision to adopt the conservative precedent set in Bakke, which allows the consideration of race as a factor in admissions policies. The decisions will encourage colleges and universities to reevaluate their specific affirmative action policies to ensure careful consideration of each candidate for admission. That will ultimately lead to more effective results and efforts to provide equal opportunity to all applicants," stated Alma Morales Riojas, President and CEO of MANA.

MANA is especially pleased with the Supreme Court's support of the value of diversity in higher education. In the majority report, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor stated that the U.S. Constitution "does not prohibit the law school's narrowly tailored use of race in admissions decisions to further a compelling interest in obtaining the educational benefits that flow from a diverse student body."

"Diversity enriches the educational experience for all students," stated Ms. Riojas. "Research has shown the educational benefits of diversity for students in and outside the classroom and its lasting impact on their lives after graduation. This ruling will ensure that members of the majority populations will not be learning in an unrealistic environment void of the diversity essential to comprehensive learning."

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MANA, A National Latina Organization, is a nonprofit, advocacy organization headquartered in the nation's capital, Washington, D. C. With chapters across the country, it is the oldest National Latina membership organization in the United States. MANA, whose mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy, envisions a national community of informed Latina activists working to improve the quality of life for all Hispanics.

MANA also has the only national young Latina's mentoring program for girls 11 to 17, "HERMANITAS®" which brings over 200 girls to Washington DC to a summer institute that includes a briefing at the White House and a visit to the girls' Congressional representatives.