In our country we judge people as individuals, not where your ancestors come from.

A new admissions policy for the University of Wisconsin System is set to take effect this coming fall, but some Wisconsin lawmakers wish to put a stop to that.

Led by State Rep. Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) and State Sen. Glenn Grothman (R-West Bend), 19 legislators are trying to get the attention of Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen by sending him a letter to see if the new policy can be halted before the fall semester.

At the center of the debate on admissions policy is the fact that the racial background of a prospective UW student may be considered in regards to whether or not they are admitted. The issue of an applicants race on an admission is absurd and could potentially be very dangerous, Grothman said.

In our country we judge people as individuals, not where your ancestors come from, Grothman said.

This policy is somewhat racist, he added.

The admissions policy, which was passed unanimously by the UW Board of Regents on Feb. 9, states that other considerations include, but are not limited to, student experiences, work experience â?¦ and whether the applicant is a member of an historically underrepresented racial or ethnic group.

It also lists that an applicants motivation, community service, or special talents, as well as whether or not the applicant is a military veteran or a non-traditional student, can be taken into consideration.

Supporters of the policy say that the policy is in fact valuing the individual applicant. UW System President Kevin Reilly told a statewide forum in January that the new policy will look at applicants as individuals, the way we all want to be looked at.

Grothman said he is not opposed to a diverse UW System but says that the new policy is fixing a problem that isnt broken.

America is a diverse country, and youre going to get people with different backgrounds from all over coming to (UW System) schools, Grothman said.

Reilly has said that an applicants race is only potentially a part of the new policy and that academics are still important to the admissions process.

Everyone admitted will still be academically qualified, he said.

The 19 legislators, consisting of 18 Republicans and State Rep. Bob Ziegelbauer (D-Mantiowoc), are currently waiting for a response from Van Hollen. Grothman said that he hopes action can be taken through either the legislature or the courts as soon as possible.

We have got to win this, Grothman said. If Americans are made to view themselves as separate groups, America will eventually fall apart.

The attorney generals office has yet to comment on the letter.

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