Group says Proposal 2 hurting UM law school admissions

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A pro-affirmative action group says a new state law banning preferential treatment based on race and gender at public universities is hurting minority enrollment at the University of Michigan Law School. But law school officials cautioned not to read too much into the latest admissions numbers, saying it's too early to draw any conclusions.

The constitutional amendment banning preferential treatment in admissions took effect in late December 2006. The University of Michigan Law School released admissions numbers this week showing that just above 5 percent of minority applicants after December 28th had been accepted into the upcoming law school class. That compares with about 36% from on or before December 28th.

A group called By Any Means Necessary says the numbers show that Proposal 2 is having a catastrophic effect on minority enrollment at the law school. The group is challenging the new law in federal court. But an assistant dean at the law school said that claim is irresponsible and that it is too early to draw conclusions.

For overall classes, the percentage of minority students is about the same for this admissions cycle as it was for the prior cycle.