Why Do Colleges Announce Their Admissions Criteria? (statistics, financial, Michigan)

[LauraC]

Is there some kind of law that says they have to?

Michigan has decided to ban the use of race in college admissions. Their voters voted for it and it passed by a big margin. Now they are being sued by the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration, and Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality by Any Means Necessary (there goes the bumper sticker possibility ). Regardless of where you come down on this issue, why does everyone know how they or any other university system select students for admission? What other college selection quota criteria is public knowledge? Do they have to select a percentage of people with disabilities, people who are gay, people who play football, catholics? Is it just public colleges that make this information available?

[le roi]

Originally Posted by LauraC

Is there some kind of law that says they have to?

Universities being state institutions, i would think it's a matter of state law.

Regardless of where you come down on this issue, why does everyone know how they or any other university system select students for admission?

Because that's the law in some states.

What other college selection quota criteria is public knowledge?

Quotas are banned in most states, but it would depend on the state.

Do they have to select a percentage of people with disabilities, people who are gay, people who play football, catholics? Is it just public colleges that make this information available?

It depends on the state.

[red4ce]

Universities release lots of statistics about their student body. Average GPA/SAT, % participation in greek life, % receiving financial aid, etc. Racial demographics is just another tool to help prospective students decide which campus is right for them.