Business Editors, Legal & Political Writers
ADVISORY...Supreme Court Ruling (June 23)
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What: Supreme Court today ruled that universities may consider race in making admissions decisions, and established specific limits on the useof race to avoid unconstitutional quotas. Who: Anthony (Tony) Miles, an African American attorney with Preston Gates & Ellis LLP, is available to discuss today's ruling by the Supreme Court. He is uniquely qualified to comment on this ruling as he filed a friend-of-the-court brief in this case with the Supreme Court on behalf of 112 Democratic Members of Congress and the Mayor of Detroit in February 2003. Tony did this work pro bono as he graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and has a strong interest in affirmative action cases. Besides being very personable and articulate, Tony recently won the Excellence in the Practice of Law award from the Loren Miller Bar Association for his work on the case. In Tony's words, "Today's ruling established that race can be one factor used in admission decisions. These Rulings provide more guidance on affirmative action than we've had in 25 years." Why: Today's rulings directly affects all public universities, and establishes a precedent to guide those private universities that receive federal funds The decision also provides guidance for other schools and organizations on affirmative action. These rulings will assist schools, governmental institutions, and other recipients of federal aid that consider race as a factor in providing access to government programs and services without violating the Constitution's guarantee against discrimination. Tony can comment on what impact today's decision may have on schools and businesses in Washington and other states across the country. How: To schedule an interview with Tony Miles, contact Rhett Usry at 206/270-4660 or you may contact Tony directly at 206/370-7585 or tonym@prestongates.com.