SOUND: Mike Schoenfeld, vice chancellor for public affairs, speaks on Vanderbilt University’s reaction to the affirmative action rulings from the Supreme Court; Click to listen in .mp3 format or in .wav format. To download sound files: right click and "save target as" or just drag the sound link to your desktop. The larger wav file will provide the best quality for editing for use in radio newsClick here for a copy of the amicus brief in .pdf format. NASHVILLE, Tenn.–Vanderbilt University, which was among the universities to file amicus curiae or "friends of the court" briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School in their efforts to defend the principles of affirmative action in college admissions, today has issued a statement in response to the court’s rulings in the cases: "The Supreme Court today affirmed a vital precept, namely that it is in the public interest to prepare students for the complexities of a world in which diversity of background, perspective and thought is growing every day. Based on our initial review, we believe these decisions will not directly impact Vanderbilt’s policies and programs. Selective private institutions like Vanderbilt continue to have the ability to apply a number of factors, including race, in the selection of students. At the same time, Vanderbilt is committed to providing opportunities for all students to learn and lead in a diverse environment." For more news about Vanderbilt, visit the Vanderbilt News Service homepage at www.vanderbilt.edu/news. Media contact: Michael Schoenfeld, (615) 343-1790 Michael.schoenfeld@vanderbilt.edu