Statement From Microsoft in Support of the University of Michigan’s Supreme Court Affirmative Action Case

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 17, 2003 — In connection with the two affirmative action lawsuits before the Supreme Court, Microsoft Corp. will participate in Tuesday’s amicus brief filing, supporting the University of Michigan’s case to preserve affirmative action in its college admissions process. Microsoft issued the following statement from Claudette Whiting, senior diversity director at Microsoft:

“Microsoft’s participation in the University of Michigan amicus brief reflects the company’s conviction that proactive efforts are critical in cultivating racial and ethnic diversity at institutions of higher education. By upholding the university’s ability to include race and other factors in the admissions process, the courts will preserve Microsoft’s ability — and that of other companies — to recruit the diverse work force necessary for success in today’s global marketplace. At Microsoft, we believe that diversity not only allows us to better meet the needs of our global customers, it enriches our performance, the communities in which we live and work, and the lives of our employees.”

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