The affirmative action ban is a constitutional amendment that prohibits public agencies, like city governement and universities, from hiring based on things like gender and race.

Everything from university math programs, nursing programs targeting men, and domestic violence shelters for women could be affected.  Hope Harbor and the Crisis Center in Grand Island say they would have to pursue other grants if some of theirs are taken away. Most say it's too early to know, but for local colleges trying to increase diversity, the ban becomes a challenge.

A room full of G.I. Senior High Nebraska Academy students attending the College-Bound Nebraska Program on Monday showed how diverse the University of Nebraska's class of 2010 will be. The first-generation students will get tuition paid for, but university president J.B. Milliken said some programs to help them succeed could get cut.

"It might affect our ability to do outreach and recruitment. We're uncertain which programs might be affected."

One program could be 'Native American Day.' But over at Central Community College, President Greg Smith said he doesn't have programs or scholarships directed at a certain demographic. 

"With the new legislation, it's pretty much business as usual, at least in the CCC sector," he said.

But both presidents are in the same boat, with their goal to recruit diversity. Now, they might just have to find other ways to do it.

"We will certainly be looking for ways to do that but we will follow the law of the state of
Nebraska," Milliken said.

Their focus on diversity also extends to teachers and staff.

"Like most businesses in the state, we attempt to hire for diversity," Smith said. But he added that a qualified person receives first priority.

CCC Accounts Payable Specialist Lupe Valdarez sits in the three percent who are not white, just a small increase since she started 34 years ago.

"There were none," she said.  (Were you the first?) "Yes I was one of them."

The college presidents said more diversity among staff make minorities more comfortable and likely to attend the school. Valdarez says the number one priority must be quality.

"I think they should be qualified, not because they'll make people feel more comfortable," she said. 

With "qualified" being the main purpose behind the affirmative action ban, preferrable treatment is out the door. But that doesn't mean Milliken can't recruit minorities, who continue to grow in the state. "We remain committed to increasing diversity in the student body," he said.

Reporter's Notes: Stacia Kalinoski
G.I. Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Joel says he doesn't believe this ban will impact any grants his district receives for minorities.

Milliken said the ban will likely become law in the next month, but there is uncertainty if the affirmative action ban is legal. A Lancaster County District Court judge will soon decide if the petition drive and vote is invalid.  Some say fraud was committed during the petition drive. Smith believes the issue could go to the federal Supreme Court.