Supreme Court upholds Michigan’s ban on affirmative action

[LuckyTheDog]

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a ban on using race in admissions to Michigan's public universities. The court was divided on the case, which overturns a U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals decision.

The opinion, written by Justice Anthony Kennedy, says the case is not about race admissions policies but about whether voters in a state can choose to prohibit consideration of racial preferences.

"The plurality opinion stresses that the case is not about the constitutionality or the merits of race-conscious admission policies in higher education. Rather, the question concerns whether, and in what manner, voters in a state may choose to prohibit consideration of such racial preferences," Kennedy wrote. "Where states have prohibited race-conscious admissions policies, universities have responded by experimenting 'with a wide variety of alternative approaches.' The decision by Michigan voters reflects the ongoing national dialogue about such practices."

Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Antonin Scalia, Justice Stephen Breyer and Justice Clarence Thomas all filed concurring opinions. Justice Sonia Sotomayor filed a dissenting opinion joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Justice Elena Kagan recused herself from the case.

MORE HERE: http://wonkynewsnerd.com/scotus-upholds-michigans-ban-affirmative-action/