In an effort to boost representation among African Americans, Latino and Native Americans in the UC system, a Regents committee yesterday unanimously endorsed an annual $60.5 millon program to improve California’s most troubled K-12 schools.

UC President Richard Atkinson called the strong endorsement of the plan a sign of “real progress,” however, he added, "we’ve got to go a lot further." (Click here to see previous Daybreak article about plan.)

Richard Clarke, co-chair of the task force which recommended the plan, said addressing the economic, social and education disadvantages faced by these groups will be a challenge. “We believe that improvement of learning conditions in these schools,” said Clarke, “provides the most effective single means by which the University can assist providing equitable opportunities for UC access by all students.”

Though the report does not explicitly list Regents among those who are accountable for its implementation, Regent Meredith Khachigian, who participated on the task force, challenged other Regents to get involved. “I implore all of us to get going as quickly as possible on this daunting task,” she said. “We’re already late.”

1st appeared 7/18/97