Supreme Court Rejects Race-Based School Assignment Process

Angela Januzzi

June 28, 2007

 
In a divided 5-4 ruling today, the Supreme Court rejected the use of race as a determining factor in the admissions processes of school boards in Seattle,Washington and Louisville, Kentucky. Though the 2003 ruling concerning the University of Michigan’s enrollment decided race could be a deciding factor in college admissions, the ruling today stated that affirmative action could not be used as a determinant in assigning children to public schools.

The race-based enrollment initiatives were used as “tie-breakers” for school assignment, but also were intended to support racial integration and a diverse racial mix in schools. However, the ruling today decided public schools can no longer use affirmative action for school assignment—though the 2003 ruling for college enrollment still stands. "The way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discrimination on the basis of race," said Chief Justice John Roberts.

Source: Mears, Bill. “Divided Court Rejects School Diversity Plans.” CNN Washington Bureau. June 28, 2007.