Statement by Richard L. Byyny, Chancellor and Ron Stump, Vice Chancellor For Student Affairs on the Bake Sale

Feb. 11, 2004

The College Republicans are conducting a bake sale on campus today in what is described as a parody of affirmative action discrimination practices. They have modified their event so that it is not itself in conflict with federal, state and university laws and policies.

We support the College Republicans' right to freedom of expression. As a university, we encourage the free and open exchange of ideas within legal and regulatory parameters.

Indeed, the reason for such opportunity for the exchange of ideas and viewpoints is why the university supports a campus that is enriched by the presence of students, faculty and staff who represent a wide breadth of experiences, talents, cultures and perspectives.

The Supreme Court has upheld the belief that the government has a compelling interest in the pursuit of racial and ethnic diversity in higher education in the University of Michigan law school case.

We believe that diversity is essential to the educational mission of the University of Colorado at Boulder, and it is the policy of the faculty and administration that a diverse student body is a vital element of academic excellence. Such an educational experience is critical for our students to be successful in an increasingly diverse world.