NATION IN BRIEF : MARYLAND : University Defends Black Scholarships

Setting the stage for a major ruling on affirmative action in colleges and universities, lawyers for the University of Maryland asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a scholarship program that is restricted to black students. “Race-based scholarships are of critical importance in eradicating the effects of past discrimination and in ensuring the benefits of a diverse student body,” the university’s lawyers said in an appeal of a lower court ruling that struck down the program. While nearly two-thirds of the nation’s colleges have some race-based scholarships, the legality of these programs recently has come under a cloud. The Maryland program was challenged by a Latino student who, despite a 4.0-grade average, was told that he could not apply.