"The most constructive and well-conceived admissions programs are those that view affirmative action in relation to the educational benefits of diversity. They may take various characteristics such as race, ethnicity, or gender into account as potential 'plus' factors (among many others) when evaluating candidates, but they do not assign such characteristics an overriding value...."

"That is what we are doing now. That is what we have done in the past--well before the advent of affirmative action programs in the late 1960s."

On Harvard Students:

"Our commitment to excellence also means that we will seek out--in all corners of the nation, and indeed the world--a diversity of talented and promising students. Such diversity is not an end in itself, or a pleasant but dispensable accessory. It is the substance from which much human learning, understanding, and wisdom derive...."

"There must be opportunities to hear different views directly--face to face--from people who believe them and embody them. Much can be learned from reading, from travel, and from formal academic study. But little if anything can substitute for the experience of continued association with others who are different from ourselves, and who challenge us--even as we challenge them."

On Admissions of Black Students:

"There has been marked improvement on the participation of African-Americans (as well as other historically underrepresented minorities) in higher education. In spite of these gains, the figures show that we are still very much 'in process....' At this moment in our history, we should be mindful of the progress that has been made; but we should not mistake that progress for the full realization of a durable success."

On Past, Present and Future of Diversity:

"This is not a moment for national self-congratulation. But neither is it a moment to underestimate the substantial human and institutional achievements--in terms of education and diversity--of the past few decades...."

"The record is impressive. The progress, however imperfect, is inspiring. That progress must be sustained and strengthened. To change course now would be to turn aside from many decades of difficult but steady hope and fulfillment, in order to follow pathways far less bright, and far less full of promise."