Grutter v. Bollinger

Definition

Grutter v. Bollinger is a landmark Supreme Court case decided in 2003 that upheld the affirmative action policy of the University of Michigan Law School, allowing for race to be considered as one factor in the admissions process. This decision reinforced the notion that universities could use race as part of a holistic review to promote diversity and educational benefits, while also emphasizing the importance of individualized consideration in admissions decisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Grutter, affirming that the Law School's admissions policy served a compelling interest in achieving diversity.
2. The Court determined that while racial quotas are unconstitutional, race can be considered as one factor among many in admissions decisions.
3. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor wrote the majority opinion, indicating that the use of race in admissions should be evaluated under strict scrutiny.
4. The decision built on previous cases like Bakke v. California and set a precedent for future affirmative action cases.
5. Grutter v. Bollinger highlighted the educational benefits that diversity brings to students and institutions, emphasizing a well-rounded educational experience.

Review Questions

• How did Grutter v. Bollinger shape the conversation around affirmative action and its implementation in higher education?
  • Grutter v. Bollinger significantly shaped the conversation around affirmative action by affirming that race could be used as one factor in admissions to promote diversity. The ruling emphasized the educational benefits derived from a diverse student body, allowing universities to continue implementing policies that support affirmative action. This case set a legal precedent for how institutions could structure their admissions processes while still facing scrutiny over potential discrimination.
• Evaluate the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in Grutter v. Bollinger regarding the standard of strict scrutiny applied to affirmative action policies.
  • The Supreme Court's decision in Grutter v. Bollinger reinforced the application of strict scrutiny to affirmative action policies, meaning that any use of race must serve a compelling governmental interest and be narrowly tailored to achieve that interest. This requires universities to provide clear evidence that their admissions practices enhance diversity and do not rely on racial quotas. The ruling underscored the necessity for ongoing evaluations of these policies to ensure compliance with constitutional standards.
• Assess how Grutter v. Bollinger might influence future legal challenges to affirmative action policies across various states and educational institutions.
  • Grutter v. Bollinger will likely continue to influence future legal challenges to affirmative action policies by providing a framework for evaluating their constitutionality based on strict scrutiny standards. As states consider various laws or ballot initiatives regarding affirmative action, this case offers precedent for both proponents and opponents. The emphasis on individualized consideration may lead institutions to refine their admissions strategies further to align with judicial expectations while navigating evolving public opinion about race and equality in education.

Related terms

Affirmative Action:

Policies aimed at increasing opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, particularly in education and employment.

Diversity: The inclusion of individuals from a variety of backgrounds, including different races, ethnicities, genders, and socioeconomic statuses, within a community or organization.

Strict Scrutiny:

The highest standard of review used by courts to evaluate laws or policies that affect fundamental rights or involve suspect classifications, such as race.