Pelosi Statement on Supreme Court Decision in Michigan Affirmative Action Case

San Francisco – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the Supreme Court issued its decision in Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, overturning the Sixth Circuit ruling, and upholding Michigan Proposal 2 which prohibits affirmative action in public education, government contracting, and public employment:

"Today's decision is another regrettable step by the Supreme Court to rig the political process against efforts to constitutionally advance diversity in our society.

"Our society, our economy, and our democracy depend on young people of all backgrounds, races and ethnicities having a fair shot at a strong education – the foundation of a better life for themselves and their families.  These ladders of opportunity are essential to the vitality and strength of our nation, and the Supreme Court's recent blindness to the real and enduring effects of discrimination diminishes all of us.

"We must continue to fight to ensure that all Americans have the chance to attend college, to be heard in the political process, and to succeed in the global economy."