MADISON, WI – United Council of UW Students stands together with UW-Madison students against the threats and attacks of the political group, Center for Equal Opportunity (CEO). CEO is launching an attack on women and students of color currently attending the University of Wisconsin Madison by attempting to end diversity programs on campus. United Council is proud to stand up for holistic admissions and affirmative action because we believe these processes are some of the most effective tools against the uneven playing field that has historically created obstacles for people of color and women to succeed in higher education. Our nation has a history of sexism and racism, and while the civil rights movement brought many great strides forward in liberty and equality there is still far to go.
Students are rallying at the Bascom Hall and the Law School Debate tonight at UW-Madison as a chance to stand firm behind Bucky and UW-Madison to educate the student body on why affirmative action is still important.
6:00 P.M. Students’ #UWTOGETHER Rally at Bascom Hall
7:00 P.M. Academic Debate on Affirmative Action @ Law School Building Room 5240
In recent years, there have been many attempts around the United States to end affirmative action on college campuses and those that were successful also succeeded in lowering enrollment of students of color by recreating road blocks for deserving students. Eliminating affirmative action has shown again and again to dramatically affect enrollment of students of color across the country.
“Attacking holistic admissions and affirmative action is not only detrimental to our education and experience as students, but it is a move towards disenfranchising the whole community. We staunchly oppose any attempt to attack the mission of our university,” said Damon Terrell, UW-Madison Student and Legislative Committee Chair of United Council of UW Students.
America’s top Universities encourage affirmative action. Harvard, Brown, Dartmouth, Duke, Princeton, and Yale have all voiced their opinion together saying:
“By creating a broadly diverse class [their] admissions policies help to assure that their graduates are well prepared to succeed in an increasingly complex and multi-racial society.”
“The admissions practices honor the Wisconsin Idea, and the ideals of a land grant university to benefit the entire state of Wisconsin,” said David Vines, UW-Madison Student Leader.