Attorney General Gansler Releases Report on Strengthening Diversity at Maryland Colleges and Universities

BALTIMORE, MD (March 13, 2009) – Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler today released a report by his office entitled, “Strengthening Diversity in Maryland Colleges and Universities: A Legal Roadmap.” The report offers Maryland’s institutes of higher education sound legal guidance when creating new affirmative action programs that increase minority enrollment and graduation rates.

“The case law on what can and what can’t be done to advance diversity is still not fully developed and is not always easy to understand,” said Attorney General Gansler. “We know that education is the path to opportunity. We cannot let the fear of legal challenges impede our ability to provide educational opportunity and economic opportunity for so many of our citizens.”

The report examined the impact of case law and the impact of recent Supreme Court on the following areas: admissions, financial aid, academic support programs, faculty and staff employment and campus environment. The legal analysis and guidance in the report will help University System of Maryland institutions and others achieve the benefits that come with a diverse student body and a diverse working environment.

“With this report, the Attorney General’s Office provides valuable guidance to our campuses as they continue and expand their efforts to support diversity among the student body, as well as among administration, faculty, and staff,” University System Chancellor William “Brit” Kirwan. “The fact of the matter is diversity in higher education - within the student body as well as within the faculty and staff - is crucial. Not just for higher education, or for the state of Maryland, but, quite literally, for the future prosperity of our nation.”

A copy of the report can be found on the Office of the Attorney General website at http://www.oag.state.md.us/Reports/OAG_Diversity_Paper.pdf