Statement From Microsoft in Response to the Supreme Court’s Ruling In the University of Michigan Affirmative Action Case

REDMOND, Wash., June 23, 2003 — In response to the Supreme Court’s determination that student body diversity is a compelling state interest that can justify the use of race in university admissions, Microsoft issued the following statement from senior Diversity Director Claudette Whiting:

“Microsoft applauds the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the University’s right to include race and other factors in its admissions process. We hope this ruling will help preserve the ability of our nation’s institutions of higher education to develop the diverse talent many companies need to cultivate a multi-cultural workforce. At Microsoft, we believe that the ability to recruit such a diverse workforce is critical to our success in today’s global marketplace, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with the University of Michigan and other institutions.”

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