“Diversity is a goal worth pursuing in our colleges, universities and workplace.  However, policies that use quotas or reward and punish solely on the basis of race are not only unconstitutional, but divide Americans and thwart real progress,” said Cox.

Cox continued: “Today, the United States Supreme Court affirmed one of the bedrock principles of our Constitution: each person is equal under the law.  The Court made it clear that each individual must be considered on his or her own merit.  No one should get ahead or fall behind simply based on being a man or a woman, black or white, Christian or Muslim.  When that simple principle is broken, no one wins.

“The Court, like the nation, is struggling to meet the goals of diversity.  And, they have indicated that the use of racial preferences should sunset in another 25 years.

“From my days working in Detroit as a Wayne County Prosecutor to being Attorney General for the State of Michigan, I have seen first hand the benefits of a diverse workforce.  Those of us in the public and private sectors can and should work toward greater diversity.  However, the end cannot justify the means. 

“My management team is the most diverse in the Attorney General’s history.  They were chosen not because of their skin color or gender, but based on their qualification and dedication to public service.  And, their broad base of opinions and viewpoints enable me to better serve the state of Michigan. 

            “True diversity will be achieved when the promise of equal opportunity is realized.”