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Ban on Affirmative Action Could be Opposed

KWGS News File Photo

TULSA, Okla. (AP) — Backers of Oklahoma's recently approved ballot measure wiping out affirmative action in state government say they're confident it could withstand a legal challenge.

But there are conflicting precedents in federal court.

Federal judges weighed in this week on a similar voter-approved law in Michigan that bans the use of affirmative action in college admission. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that 2006 constitutional amendment was illegal.

But a similar voter-approved ban in California has been upheld by another federal appeals court.

Oklahoma's ballot measure was similar to California's plan, as well as other approved proposals in Nebraska, Washington and Arizona. The Republican-backed plan prohibits preferential treatment in contracts or education programs based on race, gender, ethnicity or national origin.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.