Some of the biggest names in corporate America are on a collision course with President Bush over the issue of affirmative action in US universities.
Companies including Microsoft, PepsiCo, General Motors, Procter & Gamble and Bank One are expected to sign a brief that will be filed with the US supreme court arguing that universities should be allowed to consider race as a factor in admissions.
It will add fuel to an already fierce debate sparked by the complaints of three white students who were denied places at the University of Michigan because of a programme under which extra points are awarded black, Hispanic and native American candidates in its scoring system for entry, to ensure racial diversity.
Earlier this month, President Bush criticised the university, saying it gave preference to some applicants ”not because of any academic achievement or life experience, but solely because they are African-American, Hispanic or native American”.
White House lawyers have filed papers with the court urging judges to find against the university in what has become a landmark case. The issue has caused splits in the White House, putting the president at odds with the secretary of state, Colin Powell.
Around 30 companies are expected to sign a brief being put together by David DeBruin, a Washington lawyer. The plan is to file it with the court by February 18. An earlier brief filed by DeBruin in the lower courts, carried signatures from companies including Coca-Cola, Boeing, and Kellogg.
Richard Detwiler, a representative for PepsiCo, said: ”We are a party to the brief because diversity is vitally important in higher education, as it is in the workplace.” – Guardian Unlimited Â