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Constitutional Law Keyed to Choper
Grutter v. Bollinger
Citation:
539 U.S. 306, 123 S.Ct. 2325, 156 L.Ed.2d 304 (2003).Facts
The University of Michigan law school’s admission policy focuses on academic ability coupled with a flexible assessment of applicants’ talents, experiences, and potential to “contribute to the learning of those around them.” In reviewing an applicant’s file, admissions officials must consider the applicant’s undergraduate GPA, LSAT score, and soft variables such as the enthusiasm of recommenders, the quality of the undergraduate institution, the quality of the applicant’s essay, among other things. The policy also aspires to achieve diversity by enrolling a “critical mass” of underrepresented minority students.
Grutter, a white resident of Michigan, applied for admission to the University of Michigan Law School. Grutter applied with a 3.8 undergraduate GPA and an LSAT score of 161. She was denied admission. Grutter subsequently filed suit, alleging that the law school’s officials discriminated against her on the basis of race in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
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Topic Resources
Topic Outline
Equal ProtectionTopic Refresher Course
Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment