Bakke decision

Cultural  

1. An important ruling on affirmative action given by the Supreme Court in 1978. Allan Bakke, a white man, was denied admission to a medical school that had admitted black candidates with weaker academic credentials. Bakke contended that he was a victim of racial discrimination. The Court ruled that Bakke had been illegally denied admission to the medical school, but also that medical schools were entitled to consider race as a factor in admissions. The Court thus upheld the general principle of affirmative action.

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Example Sentences

Nixon appointee Lewis F. Powell Jr. did so in the 1978 Bakke decision.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2025

In 1978’s Bakke decision, a majority found that universities could consider race to build a diverse student body, identifying educational benefits that flow from diversity.

From Slate • Oct. 31, 2022

Bollinger in 2003, O’Connor took note of the quarter-century that had passed since the Bakke decision.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 13, 2021

Larry McDonald then stepped up and brought affirmative action, which had been upheld in the Supreme Court’s 1978 Bakke decision, into the discussion.

From Salon • Jan. 19, 2014

Powell's position as the point man in what lawyers already are calling the "4-1-4" Bakke decision illustrates his propensity toward thoughtful moderation.

From Time Magazine Archive