Advocate Online

Actionline NEA

Support for Affirmative Action

NEA will tell the U.S. Supreme Court that student diversity enhances the educational experience of both minority and non-minority students.

The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether colleges and universities lawfully can utilize affirmative action in student admissions. The two cases, Grutter v. Bollinger and Gratz v. Bollinger, involve challenges to the University of Michigan’s affirmative action plans for its law school and undergraduate program.

On February 18, NEA, joined by a number of NEA state affiliates, will file an amicus curiae brief in supporting the university’s affirmative action efforts. The NEA brief will argue that affirmative action is justified by a substantial body of research demonstrating that student diversity improves the quality of education for both minority and non-minority students.

Oral argument before the high court is scheduled for April 1, 2003, and the case likely will be decided before the court adjourns at the end of June.

It’s not too late to register for the 20th anniversary NEA Higher Education Conference, Prologue and Present: Assessing a 20-Year Journey, scheduled February 28 to March 2, 2003, in Washington, D.C.

Joining NEA President Reg Weaver and former NEA President and current Education International President Mary Hatwood Futrell, will be science fiction novelist, space systems engineer, television producer, and cyber-columnist B. Gentry Lee. The Capitol Steps, a nationally renowned troupe of Con-gressional staffers-turned-comedians, will provide the entertainment at the opening reception.

There will also be dozens of workshops on topics ranging from Technology and Quality to Affirmative Action Since Bakke, and from Non-Standard Work in Higher Education to Globalization and the Academy.

For information, e-mail HigherEd@nea.org. To register go to www.nea.org/he/conf2k3/register.html.

The NEA Foundation’s Innovation Grants and Learning & Leadership Grants are offered year-round to NEA higher education members. More than 300 grants of $1,000 to $3,000 are awarded each year to fund your big ideas. Applications may be submitted at any time.

All applications are peer reviewed, and notification of grants awarded is sent within seven months of submission. Grants fund activities for 12 months from the date of the award.

Remember, small grants lead to big change. The NEA Foundation’s grant application process has never been easier. Apply today! Visit www.nfie.org/ programs/howtoapply.htm for an application and details or call 202/822-7840.