BILL REQ. #:  S-2279.1 

Read first time 03/03/2005.   Referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

     AN ACT Relating to making appropriations to institutions of higher education to conduct comprehensive reviews of admission applications; creating new sections; and making appropriations.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that the presence of a diverse learning environment helps students acquire the skills needed to live and work successfully in our increasingly diverse society. The United States supreme court and the Washington supreme court have recognized the benefits of such educational diversity in a student body as a compelling state interest as long as the means employed to promote diversity are within narrowly tailored guidelines that ensure that individuals are not unduly impacted. To ensure the highest quality of education is provided at our universities and colleges, they must have the ability to engage in a comprehensive review of each applicant that includes all the positive qualities and experiences an applicant possesses.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   The boards of regents and boards of trustees at research and comprehensive higher education institutions are encouraged to establish policies on diversity in admissions and to conduct comprehensive reviews of every application for admission.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1) The sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the general fund to the University of Washington for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, to carry out the purposes of this act. The sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the general fund to the University of Washington for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, to carry out the purposes of this act.
     (2) The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the general fund to the Washington State University for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2006, to carry out the purposes of this act. The sum of one hundred thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated from the general fund to the Washington State University for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007, to carry out the purposes of this act.