University of California v. Bakke case

Definition

A landmark Supreme Court case in 1978 that dealt with affirmative action policies in college admissions. The court ruled that while racial quotas were unconstitutional, universities could still consider race as one factor among many in their admissions process.

Related terms

Affirmative Action: Policies aimed at increasing opportunities for historically marginalized groups by considering factors such as race or gender.

Equal Protection Clause: Part of the Fourteenth Amendment that prohibits states from denying any person equal protection under the law.

Quota System: A system that sets specific numbers or percentages for different groups.