December 3, 1999

A Quiet End to the Use of Race in College Admissions in Florida

Opposition to governor's plan is muted, despite fears about minority graduate enrollments

By JEFFREY SELINGO

The fiery rhetoric that defines the national debate over affirmative action was barely flickering on the University of Florida campus in mid-November, as state officials moved to end racial preferences in college admissions.

While black and Hispanic lawmakers condemned Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's plan for new, "race-blind" entrance criteria to the state's 10 public universities, many students here at the flagship institution were much more eager to talk about the upcoming football game