New York, NY, Jun 9, 2003—While the nation awaits the Supreme Court\\\'s decision about whether or not the University of Michigan can continue to use affirmative action in its admissions policies, the National Urban League is assembling a panel of speakers who will address the topic during the organization\\\'s annual conference.

On Wednesday, July 30 at 9:00 a.m., the League will host a session called "The Future of Affirmative Action," featuring the following speakers:

• George Curry, executive director and editor in chief, National Newspaper Publishers Association;
• Ted Shaw, Associate Director-Counsel, NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund;
• Roderick D. Gillium, Vice President, Corporate Diversity, General Motors;
• Mary Jo Dively, Vice President and General Counsel, Carnegie Mellon University;
• Thomas Saenz, Vice President for Litigation, Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

According to National Urban League president Marc Morial, the session is expected to look at what affirmative action is (a mechanism for promoting diversity in education and the workplace), what it is not (a system of quotas that locks out deserving individuals), why it remains so important in our society and what we can do to protect it.

Discussion of the University of Michigan case and the Supreme Court ruling are also expected to be part of the agenda.

The National Urban League 2003 annual conference will take place July 26 through July 30 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This year\\\'s theme is The Black Family: Building on its Resilience. The PNC Financial Services Group and Office Depot are the National Co-Chairs. The Urban League of Pittsburgh is the host affiliate and Equitable Resources, Inc. is the Chair of the local host committee.

Registration for the National Urban League 2003 Annual Conference can be completed online at www.nul.org, or users can download forms for mailing or faxing. The site also features hotel information and discounted travel options and information about exhibit/sponsorship packages. Requests for printed materials can also be sent by email to urbanleagueconference@nul.org or made by calling 1-888-314-CONF (2663).

Requests for printed materials can also be sent by email to urbanleagueconference@nul.org or made by calling 1-888-314-CONF (2663).