Applauded? As I recall, he didn't believe in Affirmative Action and was hoping for SCOTUS to do the right thing. When did he "applaud" it? Or, was it just his normal way of not badmouthing something he didn't like because he has too much class?
"Applauded? As I recall, he didn't believe in Affirmative Action and was hoping for SCOTUS to do the right thing. When did he "applaud" it? Or, was it just his normal way of not badmouthing something he didn't like because he has too much class?"
Your recollection is incorrect. Here is Bush's statement on Grutter:
"I applaud the Supreme Court for recognizing the value of diversity on our Nation's campuses. Diversity is one of America's greatest strengths. Today's decisions seek a careful balance between the goal of campus diversity and the fundamental principle of equal treatment under the law.
My Administration will continue to promote policies that expand educational opportunities for Americans from all racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. There are innovative and proven ways for colleges and universities to reflect our diversity without using racial quotas. The Court has made clear that colleges and universities must engage in a serious, good faith consideration of workable race-neutral alternatives. I agree that we must look first to these race-neutral approaches to make campuses more welcoming for all students.
Race is a reality in American life. Yet like the Court, I look forward to the day when America will truly be a color-blind society. My Administration will continue to work toward this important goal."
Sounds strikingly like O'Connor in his language.
Gee, looks like that would have been right around June 23, 2003, when he said "I applaud the Supreme Court...ad nauseum".
But don't miss out on the even "classier" Spanish-language version:
DECLARACIÓN DEL PRESIDENTE
Felicito a la Corte Suprema por reconocer el valor de la diversidad en las universidades de nuestra nación. La diversidad es uno de los mejores puntos fuertes de los Estados Unidos. Las decisiones de la actualidad requieren un equilibrio prudente entre el objetivo de la diversidad en los recintos universitarios y el principio fundamental de igual trato ante la ley.
Mi Administración continuará promoviendo las políticas que aumentan las oportunidades educativas para los estadounidenses de todos los orígenes raciales, étnicos y económicos.
Hay maneras innovadoras y comprobadas en que las universidades e instituciones de educación superior pueden reflejar nuestra diversidad sin utilizar cuotas raciales. La corte ha aclarado que las universidades e instituciones de educación superior deben considerar seriamente y de buena fe las alternativas factibles que no toman en cuenta la raza. Concuerdo que primero debemos considerar estas estrategias que no toman en consideración la raza para hacer que los recintos universitarios sean más acogedores para todos los estudiantes.
La raza es una realidad de la vida estadounidense. Sin embargo, al igual que la corte, aguardo ansiosamente el día en que Estados Unidos realmente sea una sociedad que no tome la raza en cuenta. Mi Administración continuará dedicándose a este importante objetivo.