Gray Plant Mooty Files Amicus Brief in US Supreme Court Case
Brief filed on behalf of 14 University of Texas Past Student Body Presidents in Fisher v. University of Texas
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Aug. 17, 2012) — The Minneapolis-based law firm Gray Plant Mooty, and the Curiale Hirshfeld Kraemer, LLP firm of San Francisco, two member firms of the Higher Education Council of the Employment Law Alliance, joined forces to prepare an amicus curiae brief on behalf of 14 past student body presidents from the University of Texas. Megan L. Anderson of Gray Plant Mooty helped to author the brief.
The amicus brief was filed last Monday in the case of Fisher v. University of Texas. In Fisher, the U.S. Supreme Court is being asked to review the constitutionality of the university’s current holistic admissions policy. One factor, among many, considered by the university in this process is an applicant’s race. The university’s holistic review of applications is designed to help it compose an entering class with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The lower courts have determined that the University’s admissions process is constitutional under existing Supreme Court case law holding that the educational benefits that flow from a diverse student body constitute a compelling government interest.
“The issue of diversity is critically important to our higher education clients,” said Abigail S. Crouse, principal at Gray Plant Mooty and co-chair of the firm’s Higher Education team. “This brief, which was filed in support of the University of Texas, shares the viewpoint of a group of past student body presidents whose attendance at UT spanned nearly 20 years. The brief discusses the value of diversity in their educations and the role it continues to play in their professional careers.”
“We hope that the personal perspectives shared by the past student body presidents will help persuade the Court to leave in place its past rulings that a diverse student body is a permissible goal,” said Megan L. Anderson, a principal at Gray Plant Mooty.
More than 60 amicus briefs were filed in support of the University of Texas, including multiple briefs by colleges and universities of all sizes, a brief by several Fortune 100 and other leading businesses, and a brief by small business owners and advocates. Oral argument for this case is scheduled for October 10, 2012.
About the Higher Education Council of the Employment Law Alliance
The Higher Education Council of the Employment Law Alliance consists of firms and lawyers committed to serving institutions of higher education. Its attorneys provide national and worldwide support and advice on such issues as labor and employment, intellectual property, establishing out-of-state and overseas programs and campuses, regulatory compliance, and immigration. The firms work together to ensure that their client’s needs are met wherever, whenever.
About The Employment Law Alliance
The Employment Law Alliance (ELA) is the world's largest network of labor and employment lawyers. Gray Plant Mooty is the exclusive Minnesota member of the ELA. With specialists in more than 135 countries, all 50 states and each Canadian province, the ELA provides multi-state and multi-national companies with seamless and cost-effective services worldwide. On the web at: http://www.employmentlawalliance.com.
About GPM:
Gray Plant Mooty is recognized as one of the leading corporate law firms in Minnesota and one of the top franchise firms in the world. Our roots go back to 1866. Today, we are a 170-attorney, full-service firm with offices in Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Washington, DC. Our attorneys and staff provide exceptional client service and value to our clients, and directly or with our global affiliations, we provide comprehensive legal services on a regional, national, and global basis.