The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear arguments challenging California's Proposition 209, an attempt to end preferential treatment to minorities in California because of their race.

Although the Supreme Court said that the measure does not violate the Constitution, civil rights activists will continue to fight it in the lower courts and with legislation, according to The Associated Press reports.

Dr. John Tsuchida, an Asian American studies professor at Cal State Long Beach, was disappointed with the announcement.

"The country as a whole should have more compassion [toward minorities]," Tsuchida said.

Although many Asian groups are well-established in the United States, Tsuchida said, there are other Asian groups who have only been here a relatively short time who could benefit greatly from affirmative action.

"Those people have a longer way to go," Tsuchida said. "The door should be open for them to participate. Whether or not they succeed is up to them."

Dr. Frederico Sanchez from the Chicano and Latino studies department said that Proposition 209 would not have an effect on the department since people are hired for merit over race.

"We've had people from every racial background," Sanchez said about the staff at his department. "We choose the best people for the job."

Sanchez believes that universities will now be moving toward giving preferential treatment for students based on class instead of race.

Since Caucasians make up a majority of lower class families, he expects an increase in Caucasians and a decrease in minorities enrolled in California schools.