In possibly the most consequential case concerning race the Supreme Court will consider this year, justices will hear oral arguments that target a program at the University of Texas that takes race into consideration as one factor for admissions. Supporters of affirmative action in higher education are fearful that the court might issue a broad ruling in the case that will curtail a public university’s ability to consider race in order to produce a more diverse student body. Michigan is one of eight states that has banned race as a college admission factor. Many people are focused on Justice Anthony Kennedy’s vote, as he has been a strong proponent of diverse student populations but has yet to vote in support of an affirmative action plan.
