Affirmative Action Information

Supreme Court Decision

In a 5-4 opinion, the high court upheld the University of Michigan Law School's policy of reviewing each application individually and considering race along with a number of other factors. In a separate ruling, the court struck down the University of Michigan's policy of giving undergraduate minority applicants extra points toward admission because of their race.

 

 

UNC Response

The Carolina community is deeply committed to diversity and its value to the educational process. This commitment includes an admission policy that is designed to enrich the campus with a well-prepared, diverse, and talented student body. We are gratified that the Supreme Court decision in the Michigan case affirms diversity can be a compelling government interest in these circumstances. As such, the ruling also affirms the selection processes at UNC-Chapel Hill.

In an interview on National Public Radio's All Things Considered, Jerry Lucido, vice provost and director of undergraduate admissions, discusses the Carolina admissions process, which clearly meets the test established by the Supreme Court.

At Carolina, we do a comprehensive review of each applicant. We look at many factors--the quality and depth of the academic programs students have pursued, academic performance, including grades and rank and, of course, standardized tests. We also look at school and community involvement, essays, recommendations from teachers and counselors, special talent, and then this important area called personal background, where we look at a variety of diversity factors.

These diversity considerations may include students of underrepresented racial backgrounds, first-generation college students, students who come from economic or educational disadvantage, or students who present unusual circumstances, among others. Our staff does not have a formula. They have the responsibility and the authority to choose who they think will best contribute to the university and best benefit from it.

We believe our current approach works to the benefit of the University, our students, and the State of North Carolina. We appreciate the trust and confidence our constituents have had in Carolina over the years, and we look forward to continuing our efforts to build a diverse and highly qualified student body that will thrive at and contribute to the University.