Woman who Started Affirmative Action Fight Doesn’t Regret a Thing, Concerned about Loopholes

Nearly two decades after a student, denied acceptance to the University of Michigan due to Affirmative Action began her fight, Jennifer Gratz says she's happy with a recent high court decision and wouldn't have changed a thing.  But Gratz is concerned some schools may try to skirt the law.

The United States Supreme Court, on a 6-2 vote Tuesday, reversed a lower court ruling allowing the ban on Affirmative Action to remain in place in Michigan.  While the Justices did not determine the constitutionality of the issue, the majority rule found that voters in the state had every right to enact the ban when they went to the polls in 2006.

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette called the ruling a victory for the Constitution in Michigan and also the residents of the state.

But for Jennifer Gratz, just 19 years old when the battle began, it's been a much more personal victory.  Appearing this morning on 1240 WJIM"s Steve Gruber Show with Jo Anne Paul, Gratz said despite the repeated attacks on her--some calling her a racist--she doesn't regret waging the fight.

Gratz says there will be ways for universities to skirt the law but she's hoping they show good faith in upholding the vote of the people by amending their application paperwork.

Most universities in Michigan say the court ruling won't affect operations.  They say they've already begun aggressive recruiting efforts to attract qualified students.

Join Jo Anne Paul and Steve Gruber weekdays from 5:30 to 9 AM on 1240 WJIM-AM and the Stations of the Michigan Talk Network.  Join the discussion by calling our hotline at (888) 900-9966!