A letter from President McCormick

To: Campus Community

On Tuesday, the voters of the state of Washington passed Initiative 200. It bans the use of race and sex as a preference in this state, and in 30 days it becomes law. As a result, I have suspended the use of race and sex as factors in admissions decisions for all University of Washington schools and colleges, undergraduate, graduate and professional. This includes admission to the University, as well as admission within the University to majors and programs.

Other programs, that do not involve admissions but which do specifically relate to women and minorities, may also be affected by Initiative 200. The new law creates uncertainty about what will happen to these programs. Some of them may be prohibited; some may have to be modified; others may continue as they are. Until the status of these other programs is resolved, faculty and staff should continue to conduct business as usual.

All Deans and Vice Presidents have been asked to work with their faculties and staffs to identify programs and policies about which there may be questions under this new law. Questions should be directed, through Deans and Vice Presidents, to Dr. Helen Remick, Assistant Provost for Equal Opportunity, who will work in coordination with a small group of administrators and legal counsel to provide guidance and clarification.

Over the years many of you have worked with great dedication and commitment in pursuing the goal of a diverse campus, for which the University is deeply appreciative. The University remains committed to diversity because it is essential to academic excellence for all our students. We will do everything we can within the bounds of the law to maintain the diversity of the University of Washington.