Significant Events in Supreme Court History: October 12, 1977

On October 12, 1977, a landmark case was brought before the Supreme Court, marking a pivotal moment in the discussion surrounding affirmative action in higher education. This case, known as Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, would lay the groundwork for future policies and legal standards concerning university admissions and racial equality.

The Case

The crux of the Bakke case involved Allan Bakke, a white applicant who faced rejection from the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine. Despite boasting superior academic credentials—higher grades and standardized test scores than several minority applicants—Bakke found himself overlooked in favor of students admitted under a special admissions program aimed at increasing racial diversity within the medical school. This situation prompted Bakke to challenge the constitutionality of the program, asserting that the affirmative action policies in place were discriminatory against him based on his race.

The Court

The oral arguments heard on this day were part of proceedings conducted by the Burger Court, the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Warren E. Burger. This Court, which served from 1975 to 1981, was known for its deliberations on various civil rights issues, making Bakke a profound test of the balance between combating racial inequality and maintaining equal treatment for all individuals in the admissions process.

Historical Significance

The implications of the Bakke decision, which was ultimately issued on June 28, 1978, continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about affirmative action. The Supreme Court ruled that while racial quotas in admissions practices were unconstitutional, institutions of higher learning could still consider race as one factor among many in their pursuit of a diverse student body. This nuanced outcome reflected an attempt to navigate the complex terrain of race, merit, and equality within the education system.

Thus, the anniversary of the oral arguments in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke serves as a reminder of the critical issues surrounding affirmative action and educational admissions. The decision set a precedential standard that continues to influence the legal landscape and policy decisions across the United States, shaping the ongoing dialogue about race, equality, and access to education.