Thomas Daschle: “I read with interest today that the administration currently is considering what to do with regard to the so-called…”

“I read with interest today that the administration currently is considering what to do with regard to the so-called ``Michigan case'' before the Supreme Court. This is a watershed moment for the administration. They must decide whether they are for civil rights and diversity or not. They must make a very important choice, and whether or not they make the right choice depends in large measure on what happens in this particular case. Over the last several weeks we have heard the Republican leadership talk about how this is a changed party, and how Republicans have had a change of heart. To a certain extent, we know they have had a change of face. The question is whether or not this is truly a change of heart. I was concerned with leadership comments made over the weekend, that while additional dialog may be important, there really wouldn't be a change in policy. There would be no change in policy on affirmative action, or on a number of issues relating directly to diversity. My hope is there may be a change of heart on hate crimes.”