Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Practice Exam

How did the Supreme Court ruling in Grutter v. Bollinger affect law school admissions?

1. It forbade any consideration of race

2. It allowed broader criterion for diversity in admissions

3. It required a merit-only admission standard

4. It mandated quotas for racial minorities

The correct answer is: It allowed broader criterion for diversity in admissions

The ruling in Grutter v. Bollinger, decided in 2003, had a significant impact on law school admissions by affirming that race can be one of many factors considered in a holistic admissions process. The Supreme Court upheld the University of Michigan Law School's admissions policy, which sought to achieve diversity within its student body, recognizing that a diverse educational environment fosters a richer learning experience. By allowing the consideration of race as part of a broader criterion for diversity, the court acknowledged that achieving diversity in higher education involves a complex set of factors and that race can play a legitimate role in that equation. This decision reaffirmed the principles established in previous cases, emphasizing that while race can be a factor, it cannot be the sole determinant in admissions decisions, thus supporting the idea of a holistic review of each applicant. This ruling was instrumental in shaping admission policies across law schools and other higher education institutions, encouraging them to consider a variety of attributes and backgrounds in their pursuit of a well-rounded educational environment.