Mixed Court Decision Upholds Diversity, NCJW Says

June 28, 2007, New York, NY -- The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) today said that the Supreme Court's mixed ruling rejecting the desegregation programs in Seattle and Jefferson County, KY, schools is disappointing. However, NCJW added that it is encouraging that a majority of the court continues to uphold the use of race to achieve diversity in education. NCJW President Phyllis Snyder released the following statement:

"There is good news and bad news in the Supreme Court's decision today on the Seattle and Jefferson County, KY, school integration cases. The conclusion of four justices, including the two confirmed last year, that public school systems may never use race as a factor in assigning students to schools is a rejection of today's reality and yesterday's history. Fortunately, Justice Kennedy, while agreeing to strike down the two school integration plans, made it clear that he did not foreclose the use of race.

"'Diversity, depending on its meaning and definition, is a compelling educational goal,' Justice Kennedy wrote. 'The decision today should not prevent school districts from continuing the important work of bringing together students of different racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds.'

"Justice Kennedy's opinion provides some solace to those who share NCJW's belief that a democratic society and its people must value diversity and promote mutual understanding and respect for all.

"Nevertheless, this case shows once again the overriding importance of who sits on the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Roberts, who wrote the plurality decision, was consistent with his long record of hostility toward affirmative action and the indifference toward remedying discrimination which emerged during his confirmation hearings. Three more justices agreed with him in an opinion that would create nearly insurmountable barriers to progress in achieving equality in American society. We cannot afford to add another such voice when the next vacancy arises on the court."

NCJW is a volunteer organization, inspired by Jewish values, that works to improve the quality of life for women, children, and families and to ensure individual rights and freedoms for all through its network of 90,000 members, supporters, and volunteers nationwide.

Contact:
Debbie Stillman
202 296 2588 x2; debbie@ncjwdc.org