AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — The new president of the University of Texas says the school’s use of race in some admissions creates a diverse student body that’s an educational benefit.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear for a second time the case of a white woman who was denied admission to the university’s flagship Austin campus. The conservative-leaning federal appeals court in New Orleans has twice upheld the university’s admissions process.
School President Greg Fenves says the policy is “narrowly tailored” and constitutional.
Most of the student body enters under the state’s so-called “top 10 percent rule” and the school includes race as a factor in reviewing additional applicants who meet a formula for personal achievement.
Abigail Fisher sued after she was denied admission in 2008.