U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments in affirmative action case

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WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 10: Protesters hold signs in front of the U.S. Supreme Court on October 10, 2012 in Washington, DC. The high court is scheduled to hear arguments on Fisher V. University of Texas at Austin and are tasked with ruling on whether the university's consideration of race in admissions is constitutional. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this morning on whether colleges and universities can continue to favor minority candidates in admissions policies.

The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this morning on whether colleges and universities can continue to favor minority candidates in admissions policies. The case was brought before the court by Abigail Fisher, a white woman who claims the University of Texas violated the U.S. Constitution’s equal protection guarantee by denying her admission based on her race.

However, the university argues it must consider race in admissions or minorities will be underrepresented on its campuses. The case could have big implications for affirmative action plans in higher education throughout the country. We’ll talk with a SCOTUS scholar who was in the courtroom for today’s oral arguments.

Guest:

Lisa McElroy, Professor of Law, Drexel University's Earle Mack School of Law & Supreme Court scholar and writes the Plain English column on SCOTUSblog.com