Grutter v. Bollinger

Definition

Grutter v. Bollinger is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2003 that upheld the affirmative action policy used by the University of Michigan Law School. The Court ruled that considering race as one of many factors in college admissions is constitutional, reinforcing the idea that diversity in higher education serves a compelling governmental interest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Grutter, stating that the Law School's admissions policy was narrowly tailored to achieve diversity.
2. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor wrote the majority opinion, emphasizing that achieving diversity is a compelling state interest.
3. The decision clarified that race could be one factor among many in a holistic review process but not the sole criterion for admissions.
4. Grutter v. Bollinger reaffirmed previous cases like Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, which allowed for race-conscious admissions.
5. The ruling indicated that affirmative action policies should be periodically reviewed and may not be necessary indefinitely, hinting at a future where such policies might no longer be needed.

Review Questions

• What was the main argument presented by Grutter in her case against the University of Michigan Law School, and how did the Court address these arguments?
  • Grutter argued that she was denied admission based on her race, asserting that the Law School's affirmative action policy was discriminatory against non-minority applicants. The Supreme Court addressed these concerns by highlighting that the Law School's admissions process considered multiple factors in a holistic manner, rather than solely focusing on race. The Court concluded that this approach was constitutional and served the important goal of promoting diversity in higher education.
• Discuss the implications of Grutter v. Bollinger on future affirmative action cases and how it shaped public policy regarding college admissions.
  • The Grutter v. Bollinger decision had significant implications for future affirmative action cases as it established a legal precedent affirming the constitutionality of race-conscious admissions policies when aimed at achieving diversity. This ruling influenced how colleges and universities crafted their admissions processes, prompting them to ensure they were implementing holistic reviews that considered race as just one factor among many. Public policy regarding college admissions shifted towards an acceptance of diversity as a compelling state interest, although it also sparked ongoing debates and challenges related to affirmative action.
• Evaluate how Grutter v. Bollinger contributes to the ongoing dialogue about race, equity, and access in higher education, especially in light of recent challenges to affirmative action policies.
  • Grutter v. Bollinger plays a crucial role in the ongoing dialogue about race, equity, and access in higher education by providing a legal framework supporting affirmative action while also acknowledging the need for periodic reviews of such policies. As challenges to affirmative action continue to arise, this case serves as a reference point for arguments both in favor of and against race-conscious admissions practices. The ruling illustrates the complexities surrounding issues of diversity and fairness, influencing current discussions about how best to achieve equity in educational opportunities amid evolving societal views on race and merit.

Related terms

Affirmative Action: Policies designed to improve opportunities for historically marginalized groups, often by considering race or gender in admissions and hiring processes.

Strict Scrutiny: The highest standard of judicial review used by courts to evaluate the constitutionality of laws that classify individuals based on race or national origin.

Fisher v. University of Texas: A significant Supreme Court case regarding affirmative action that followed Grutter v. Bollinger, focusing on the constitutionality of the University of Texas's admission policies.