For Once, Victory for Affirmative Action At the Supreme Court

FEATURING ETHAN FLOYD – In a 4-3 decision last week, Supreme Court justices voted to reject Abigail Fisher’s challenge to the University of Texas’ approach on student admissions. Fisher, a white student, held that she was denied acceptance based on her race and challenged the school’s affirmative action program to encourage a diverse student body. UT considers a number of factors including race.

Justice Elena Kagan recused herself from the vote, leaving Justice Anthony Kennedy to issue the swing vote. Kennedy has never before voted in favor of race-based admissions. Supporters of affirmative action are celebrating the decision.

CORRECTION: We mistakenly called the guest Ethan Lloyd during the interview, but it’s Ethan Floyd.

Ethan Floyd, Law fellow at the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society at UC Berkeley.