Fort Worth Star Telegram
DALLAS & STATE DIGEST
Wire Reports
AUSTIN
A group of angry state lawmakers implored Texas A&M University on Wednesday to change an admissions policy that gives preference to applicants whose parents or grandparents graduated from the school.
Representatives of state civil rights groups indicated that they would sue the school if the policy doesn’t change.
By Matt Flores
San Antonio Express-News
Citing Texas A&M University’s poor record of attracting minority students, legislators Wednesday called on the institution to abandon its practice of giving a boost in the admissions process to children, grandchildren and siblings of alumni.
“You can’t close the door on affirmative action and make birthright an entitlement to admission,” state Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, said in a news conference.
Minorities say policy favors white applicants
Jan. 8, 2004
By Todd Ackerman
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
Minority politicians and activists around the state Wednesday urged Texas A&M University to bring consistency to an admissions policy that doesn’t consider race or ethnicity but includes a “legacy” program that favors whites.
The legacy program, which gives points to applicants whose parents, siblings or grandparents went to A&M, is the deciding factor in the admission of more than 300 white freshmen annually. Only a handful of blacks and about 25 Hispanics are admitted each year because of the program.
Press Release
From the Office of State Senator Rodney Ellis
Jan. 7, 2004
State Officials, Civil Rights Advocates
Call on Texas A&M to Correct Admissions Policies
Austin, TX–Senators Rodney Ellis and Gonzalo Barrientos were joined by State Representative Dawnna Dukes the NAACP, LULAC, MALDEF, and the Texas Civil Rights project for a press conference on Wednesday focusing attention on the admissions situation at Texas A&M University.
MoPress 