MADISON, Wis. — The state attorney general said a new University of Wisconsin System freshman admissions policy requiring an applicant’s race to be considered is legal.
The policy adopted by the Board of Regents requires a comprehensive review of each applicant seeking admissions. Academic factors are the most important but other factors such as race, income and special talents must be considered to help achieve diversity.
Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen told lawmakers Thursday that the consideration of race does not violate a 1974 law that says no race-based tests shall be allowed in admissions requirements.