Supreme Court Strikes Affirmative Action
Ask students: Why was this ruling expected? How long has there been a fundamental divide on the Supreme Court?
Summary
The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a major blow to affirmative action in higher education, striking down race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. The ruling has widespread implications for the future of higher education. Geoff Bennett discussed the decision with NewsHour Supreme Court analyst Marcia Coyle.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
Five Facts
- Why was this ruling expected?
- How long has there been a fundamental divide on the Supreme Court?
- Who is Ketanji Brown Jackson?
- Where did Ketanji Brown Jackson serve for years?
- When did the court uphold race-conscious college admissions programs?
- What amendment does this case focus on?
Focus Questions
How do you think colleges and universities will change after this ruling? How might they adapt admissions policies?
News analysis: How do you think different news organizations are reporting this ruling based on political leanings?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?
For More
What students can do: Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — do you feel this was the correct decision or do you disagree? What will be some long-term consequences of the decision?
Student Video of the Day (February 27, 2019)
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
The Supreme Court: Balancing the Branches Lesson Plans
Share My Lesson has free, tailored preK-12 resources to ensure your students leave your classroom equipped with a deeper knowledge of civics and government to think critically about today's toughest issues.
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