Statement by Senator Menndez on Fisher v. University of Texas
San Antonio Texas - State Senator Jos Menndez member of the Higher Education Committee issued the following statement after the Supreme Court upheld the admission policies of the University of Texas in
Fisher v. University of Texas.
The following quotes are attributable to Senator Jos Menndez:
Texas universities are among the best in the nation. The Supreme Courts decision allows them to maintain their prestigious reputations by emphasizing the importance of representative student bodies. The ruling reflects the inherent value of a diverse campus ensuring that minorities can enjoy the same educational opportunities as non-minorities for generations to come.
As a member of the Senate Higher Education Committee I have seen first-hand the benefit of using race as one small factor in admissions at our states most prestigious universities. It allows for a more diverse student body full of different backgrounds and perspectives. Most importantly though it gives Hispanics African-Americans Asian-Americans and others the chance to achieve the college dream. For far too long our universities admissions policies skewed to benefit non-minority students. The University of Texas rightly recognized this injustice and began using affirmative action to create a student body that reflects the spirit of America."
A well-rounded education begins with a diverse student body. More inclusive campuses allow students to discuss societys most pressing issues from a variety of viewpoints. However diversity doesnt happen on its own. Affirmative action is an essential part of our universities admissions policies because it ensures that both minority and non-minority students get the best education possible.
