2000s

The decade opened with challenges to the affirmative action programs used by the University of Michigan in its law school and undergraduate admissions. In 2003, the Supreme Court decided Gratz v. Bollinger and Grutter v. Bollinger, holding that race can be considered in student admissions, because it serves “a compelling interest in obtaining the educational benefits that flow from a diverse student body.” However, the Court found that the undergraduate admissions program did not provide the necessary “individualized consideration.” Locally, Parents Involved in Community Schools has challenged the Seattle School District’s use of race as a tie-breaker in student placement decisions. The Washington Supreme Court held that the tie-breaker does not violate the state ban on affirmative action programs. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is now considering, in light of Grutter and Gratz, whether the tie-breaker violates the 14th Amendment.

• Grutter v. Bolinger

• Gratz v. Bolinger

• Looking Back, Brown v. Board of Ed.

• Brown v. Board Commission

• From Brown to Grutter, An SU Symposium

• A Quest for Educational Opportunity