News You Need to Know: Daily Roundup, Fri., Oct. 27th
Blog Post
Oct. 26, 2006
Michigan Voters Divided Over Affirmative Action Ban
On November 7, Michigan residents will vote on an initiative to ban racial preferences in state government hiring and college admissions. A 2003 U.S. Supreme Court ruling upheld affirmative action policies at the University of Michigan, as long as admissions officers did not assign points to applicants based on race. Now, a proposed ban on all affirmative action has made its way to the states ballot after two years of legal challenges. While the initiative is opposed by both candidates for Governor and numerous business, labor, educational and religious groups, Michigan voters remain closely divided over the issue.
Approval for Partial Sale of Illinois Student Loan Agency
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has received limited approval for his plan to sell or restructure the portfolio of the states student loan agency, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan ruled that Blagojevich has the authority to sell parts of the portfolio, but only if the proceeds go back into accounts related to student loans. He cannot sell the entire portfolio without legislative approval. Blagojevichs plan is to raise at least $100 million for more college scholarships.
Community College Enrollment Growing at Fast Rate in Texas
In Texas this fall, community colleges grew almost three times faster than state universities. Approximately 80% of college student enrollment growth occurred at community colleges. Higher education officials in Texas attribute enrollment patterns to rising tuition costs at state universities and large increases in Hispanic students at community colleges.