Culture War & the Supreme Court
By: Jasmyne Hall
Gratz v. Bollinger
The University of Michigan has a point system in which minorities are given points due to preference. The Point system sparked controversy among the college students. The supreme court ruled that the use of affirmative action in school admission is constitutional. Also that if it treats race as one factor among many its purpose is to achieve a "diverse" class, and it does not substitute for an individual review of student. Although it is unconstitutional if it automatically increases someone who is applying's chances over others just because of his or her race. Jennifer Gratz and Patrick Hammacher, who were white kids that lived in Michigan, were declined when applying to the school. They then sued the school in a federal court, saying that its admissions process was unconstitutional. The federal court agreed, and the case was appealed up to the Supreme Court, which reviewed the case in 2003.
Reed v. Reed
University of California v. Bakke
Adarand Constructers v. Pena
Two likely Vacancies
1. Ruth Bader Ginsburg
2. Stephen Breyer