Initiative 200, which would dismantle affirmative action programs in state government, was approved by Washington state voters 58 percent to 42 percent in the mid-term election held Nov. 3.
Opponents of the initiative say they will challenge the measure in court.
The following is a statement from University President Richard L. McCormick on the impact of the initiative:
“Initiative 200 is now law in our state. Beginning immediately, therefore, I am setting in motion steps to suspend the use of race and sex as factors in admissions decisions to all University of Washington schools and colleges, at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels. Within the limits of Initiative 200, the University of Washington will, however, continue to place the highest possible value on diversity.
“Passage of this initiative raises a number of legal issues and questions that need to be resolved. Some of these have to do with the relationship of Initiative 200 to federal and state statutes, such as those dealing with contracting and employment. Others have to do with University of Washington programs that reach out to and support minorities and women within the University. Over time these matters will need to be settled.
“Diversity remains an important value to the University of Washington because it is essential to academic excellence. All of our students get a better education when they study with people from different backgrounds and experiences. For this reason, we are determined to do everything we can within the law to maintain the diversity of our University community.”