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Keywords

trialcivil rights
trialcivil rights

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Regents of University of California v. Bakke, 438 U.S. 265, 98 S.Ct. 2733, 57 L.Ed.2d 750, 17 Fair Empl.Prac.Cas. (BNA) 1000, 17 Empl. Prac. Dec. P 8402

Facts

Allan Bakke applied to the University of California at Davis Medical School in 1973 and 1974 but was rejected both times under the general admissions program, despite having higher scores than many admitted under a special admissions program for minority students. The special program allowed for the admission of students who did not meet the same academic standards as general applicants, reserving 16 out of 100 spots for 'disadvantaged' minority students. Bakke argued that this program discriminated against him based on his race, violating the Equal Protection Clause and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Allan Bakke applied to the University of California at Davis Medical School in 1973 and 1974 but was rejected both times under the general admissions program, despite having higher scores than many admitted under a special admissions program for minority students.

Issue

Did the special admissions program at the University of California at Davis violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by discriminating against Allan Bakke based on his race?

Did the special admissions program at the University of California at Davis violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by discriminating against Allan Bakke based on his race?

Rule

The court applied strict scrutiny to the special admissions program, determining that racial classifications are inherently suspect and require the most exacting judicial scrutiny. The program must serve a compelling state interest and be the least intrusive means of achieving that interest.

The court applied strict scrutiny to the special admissions program, determining that racial classifications are inherently suspect and require the most exacting judicial scrutiny.

Analysis

The court found that while the goals of increasing minority representation in the medical profession were compelling, the special admissions program was not the least intrusive means to achieve those goals. The program effectively operated as a racial quota, which the court deemed unconstitutional. Since the University could not prove that Bakke would not have been admitted without the special program, the court ruled in his favor.

The court found that while the goals of increasing minority representation in the medical profession were compelling, the special admissions program was not the least intrusive means to achieve those goals.

Conclusion

The California Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's ruling that the special admissions program was illegal and ordered Bakke's admission to the medical school, while reversing the prohibition against considering race in future admissions decisions.

The California Supreme Court affirmed the trial court's ruling that the special admissions program was illegal and ordered Bakke's admission to the medical school.

Who won?

Allan Bakke prevailed in the case because the court found that the special admissions program was unconstitutional and that he was entitled to admission based on his qualifications.

Allan Bakke prevailed in the case because the court found that the special admissions program was unconstitutional and that he was entitled to admission based on his qualifications.

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