Posted on: Tuesday, June 24, 2003

EDITORIAL
Affirmative action ruling sensible balance

The U.S. Supreme Court decision on the University of Michigan's admission policy on balance appears to be a victory for champions of diversity, though a modest one.

While the high court in a 5-4 ruling upheld a law school admission policy that sought a "critical mass" of minorities, it struck down a quota system that awards points to minorities.

In doing so, the court struck a delicate balance that should resonate with all those who believe in boosting racial diversity without resorting to a mindless quota system that only serves to provoke charges of discrimination.

The smoke from the ruling has yet to dissipate. But we don't anticipate any major changes to the way the University of Hawai'i does business.

Indeed, we imagine efforts to recruit minorities, particularly Native Hawaiians, will advance on much steadier ground. Peter Englert, chancellor of the UH-Manoa campus, says he doesn't expect tuition waivers for Native Hawaiians will be affected.

As we've said before, striving for diversity should not be limited to ethnicity and race. It should take into account age, economic background and other life experiences.

But the reality is, demographics on many college campuses (and in other institutions) indicate there is still a need for affirmative action.

And while there is more to learn on this ruling, it appears the U.S. Supreme Court recognizes that.