By Howard Fischer
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/knau/local-knau-777327.mp3
Phoenix, AZ – A new study by an organization opposed to affirmative action
contends that minorities are more likely to be admitted to the
state's two public law schools than similarly qualified Anglos.
Arizona Public Radio's Howard Fischer reports.
The study by the Center for Economic Opportunity finds minorities
admitted to law schools at University of Arizona and Arizona
State University had, on average, both lower grades and lower
scores on the Law School Aptitutde Test. Roger Clegg, the
organization's president, said universities use those to
determine if students will succeed.
(So if students have lower LSATs and lower undergraduate grade
point averages then the law school itself ought to believe that
those students are less likely to succeed. Otherwise they
wouldn't be looking.)
But Shelli Soto who is dean of admissions at ASU law school said
LSAT scores and GPAs are only part of the picture.
(There are also some people who have less strong LSAT scores but
are perhaps incredibly strong in terms of their work experience
or their public service experience, or something about their
background and experiences personally that gives that person the
ability to contribute in a unique way to our learning
environment.)
The figures are likely to become part of the debate if Ward
Connerly, unable to get his anti affirmative action measure on
the November ballot, tries again in 2010.
For Arizona Public Radio, this is Howard Fischer.