SB 5575-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Declares an intent to give universities and colleges limited flexibility in considering race, color, ethnicity, or national origin as positive factors in their admission and transfer policies. To ensure the highest quality of education is provided at our universities and colleges, they must have the ability to engage in a holistic review of each applicant that includes all the positive qualities and experiences that an applicant possesses.

Declares it is not the intent to allow any form of quota or set aside system to be implemented by a university or college to insulate an applicant from comparison with all other candidates solely because of his or her racial status.

Declare that this act does not prohibit a public college, university, or community college from considering race, color, ethnicity, or national origin in its admission or transfer policies for the purpose of promoting diversity at the campus if the policy meets the following minimum requirements: (1) No admission slots may be set aside on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, or national origin nor may any person be given separate consideration or preference based solely on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin;

(2) All qualified applicants shall be given individual consideration in which all qualities and experiences that may be valuable contributions to student body diversity are considered;

(3) Race, color, ethnicity, or national origin shall not be given a predetermined numerical value or weight in the admissions process;

(4) The policy shall establish criteria for evaluating whether the consideration of race, color, ethnicity, or national origin is still necessary to promote diversity and shall include provisions for periodic reviews; and

(5) There must be a process established for periodically exploring workable race-neutral alternatives to considering race, color, ethnicity, or national origin to achieve the diversity the college or university is seeking, without compromising academic quality.

Directs the secretary of state to submit this act to the people for their adoption and ratification, or rejection, at the next general election to be held in this state, in accordance with Article II, section 1 of the state Constitution and the laws adopted to facilitate its operation.