University of California regents on Wednesday turned down a proposal by fellow Regent Ward Connerly to cut funding and sponsorship for nonacademic events held for groups of a specific race, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

Connerly, a leading advocate of the 1996 campaign that banned racial and ethnic preferences in California's public institutions, tried to withdraw the item, saying he had been persuaded to reconsider.

The proposal had come under sharp criticism from student organizations, Latino advocacy groups and others, who said the events — including ethnic graduation celebrations — are helpful for many students and are open to all who wish to attend.

Regents on the board's Finance Committee insisted on a vote, and defeated the motion 6 to 3.

Connerly, who has twice before brought the issue before the regents — although never for a vote — said such events as African American or Latino graduation celebrations are divisive.

Regent Odessa Johnson, along with several students, spoke strongly in favor of the ethnic events.

Johnson, who said she recently attended an African American graduation ceremony at UCLA for her daughter, said such events are "often the most colorful, most memorable part of that student's graduation This is not divisive. It is a bringing together of all of us at these celebrations."