Allowing a quota of minority groups into schools has been a part of university culture since the 1960s, but a recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court on affirmative action could change the racial rules in higher education.
Supreme Court justices so far have upheld affirmative action at the University of Michigan Law School, but the state voted to eliminate the plan in higher education in 2006.
Federal appeals courts ruled in 2012 that the amendment to the constitution was discriminatory, promoting the U.S. Supreme Court case on the affirmative action amendment at the University of Michigan.
Bill Schuette, Michigan’s attorney general, told NBC News it is unfair to make a decision based on race.
“It’s wrong to treat people differently based on your race or the color of your skin,” Schuette said.
The Supreme Court is currently ruling on the case.
Political science professor James Garand said this particular case is not about affirmative action, but more about the political process and the power of Michigan voters.
The case could define majority and minority rights because Michigan voters have the ability to amend the constitution on this issue, Garand said.
Garand also said he does not think this case will affect students or policies at the University.
According to the University’s enrollment numbers, there are 2,774 African-American students and 6,111 minority students.
Political science and history senior Jace Waldmann said affirmative action is a thing of the past, and he does not think race is still an issue in college admission.
Waldmann said if a student has merit to be admitted, he or she should be admitted regardless of race.
Raymond Hawkins, undeclared sophomore, said affirmative action has pros and cons.
He said it can help diversify the campus but can become unfair if students are only accepted to the University based on their race.
“I don’t think this case will change anything.”
“I don’t think it’s really fair. You should get into a university just because of your race.”
“It does a really great job to break down barriers.”
“It does make people see the campus does care about diversity.”
“It’s not as relevant now, they shouldn’t have to look at race.”