Students and University officials were left with mixed reactions yesterday after a federal court upheld Proposition 209, an initiative that allows voters to outlaw affirmative action based on gender, race, and ethnic background.
"I'm not surprised, but I'm disappointed," said Susan Rasmussen, University associate director of affirmative action programs.
"California is going to be the poorer for it," said Rasmussen, who believes race still plays a strong role in society today.
Jimmy Myers, University associate director of affirmative action programs, said that as many as 18 other states have similar legislature pending.
Some University students said they agreed with yesterday's decision.
"(Voters) should have the right to decide ...," said LSA first-year student Joseph Freidman. "It shouldn't just be out of the public's hands."
LSA first-year student Jami Shaw said she believes that admissions policies around the country should be based more on academics than race or gender.
"I think it should be just on academics. If you work hard, you can come here," Shaw said. "You shouldn't get a free ride for just being a minority."
Other students said they feel that diversity is an important component to an institution, especially one like the University. These students had mixed emotions on whether race and gender should be considered in admissions decisions.
"I think it's good because a lot of students come from private schools where they are not around a lot of different types of people," said LSA sophomore Mike Yarger, who added that "our society is a melting pot" and said University students should get accustomed to different people and cultures.
"I have mixed feelings on affirmative action," said Freidman, who claimed that he knows students who have been rejected from universities because of affirmative action policies.
"But it makes the University more diverse," he said.