All Flashcards
What was the significance of Brown v. Board of Education?
Ended segregation in schools based on the Equal Protection Clause.
What was the significance of Regents of the University of California v. Bakke?
Addressed affirmative action in college admissions; race can be a factor but quotas are illegal.
What was the ruling in Grutter v. Bollinger?
Upheld the Law School's policy of using race as one factor in admissions because it was narrowly tailored.
What was the ruling in Gratz v. Bollinger?
Struck down the undergraduate admissions policy that automatically gave points to minority applicants; too rigid.
What is the difference between Grutter and Gratz?
Grutter: Race can be a factor if narrowly tailored. Gratz: Point systems are too rigid.
Differentiate between colorblind and equal protection.
Colorblind: Ignores differences. Equal protection: Acknowledges differences to ensure fairness.
Define equal opportunity.
Everyone gets a fair shot, regardless of race, gender, etc.
Define diversity.
Having a mix of different people (races, ethnicities, genders).
Define historically underrepresented groups.
Groups that faced past discrimination (women, minorities).
Define special consideration.
Extra support to help historically underrepresented groups succeed.
Define reverse discrimination.
The idea that affirmative action hurts some groups (like white men).
Define merit-based principles.
Hiring/admitting based on qualifications, not race.
Define narrowly tailored programs.
Programs designed to fix past wrongs without causing new ones.
Define 'colorblind' constitution.
The idea that the Constitution shouldn't consider race in any decisions.
Define affirmative action.
Policies designed to boost equal opportunities and diversity, especially in education and jobs.
Define Equal Protection Clause.
Guarantees that everyone gets equal protection under the law; no discrimination allowed!