From 1996 to 2001, the number of African Americans applying to UT-Austin increased by 25 percent. Yet the percentage of applicants admitted declined by 19 percent.
In Florida, African Americans continue to be underrepresented in higher education as they were immediately after the state enacted the affirmative action ban. The same trend is evident among Hispanics at more selective universities, the commission said. In California, plans to use alternate measures to overcome a ban on race did not stem reductions in enrollment among African Americans, Hispanics and American Indians in the University of California system overall. However, the declines were particularly evident at UC's top-tier universities, namely the Berkeley, Los Angeles and San Diego campuses, commission staff say.
"If percentage plans grow in popularity, it is inevitable that the number of minority students attending the most prestigious public universities will decrease," Berry says. Percentage plans can work only if affirmative action is in place and students also receive adequate financial aid and support services.
For more information, contact the commission at (202) 376-8317 or visit the Web site at <www.usccr.gov>.
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