equality in the us

Question 1

affirmative action cases - sucessful

Answer 1

Grutter v. Bollinger 2003, the Supreme Court upheld the University of Michigan Law School’s affirmative action policy, arguing that it did so and contributed to the increased enrolment of minority students in higher education institutions, therefore tackling prejudice and providing opportunity to students who have faced systemic educational barriers due to segregation and discrimination.

Question 2

affirmative action cases unsucessful

Answer 2

Students for Fair Admissions. v. Harvard 2023,

the Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of race-based affirmative action in higher education.

Asian American plaintiffs who alleged that Harvard University’s admissions process was discriminatory against them.

In a 6 2 decision, the Supreme Court reversed the lower court’s ruling and declared affirmative action in college admissions unconstitutional

.
The Court concluded that the use of race as a factor in college admissions was not in line with these provisions and constituted discrimination based on race.
overturned precedent and departed from previous landmark decisions such Grutter v. Bollinger.

Fisher v. University of Texas, posits that affirmative action policies unfairly disadvantage individuals from non- minority groups, contradicting the aim of equality and meritocracy in education and employment.

Question 3

laws which enhanced racial rights

Answer 3

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, which sought to overcome systemic discrimination in voting practices, particularly in the Southern states, where literacy tests and poll taxes were used to disenfranchise African Americans.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964, too played a key role in dismantling institutionalised racial segregation and discrimination, by prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Minneapolis, where George Floyd was killed, the city council approved a measure to replace the police department with a community-led public safety system, reflecting a significant shift in local law enforcement policy.

California passed Assembly Bill 392, one of the nation’s most restrictive use-of-force laws, which changes the standard for police use of lethal force from when it is “reasonable” to when it is “necessary.”

George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

Question 4

laws have not enhanced racial equality

Answer 4

shelby county v holder 2013

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, aimed at addressing police reform, stalled in the Senate due to Republicans not wanting to limit or end qualified immunity for police officers, which protects law enforcement officers from personal liability in many cases of alleged misconduct.

the BREATHE Act, which advocates for more transformative changes such as divesting from excessive policing, failed to gain legislative traction.

Question 5

elections and representation have enhanced racial equality

Answer 5

118th congress most diverse; almost doubling its non white members since 108th congress. 67-137

black rep is on par with pop- 13% and natives - 1%

congressional black caucus aim to improve non- white rep

Question 6

elections and rep has not enhanced racial equality

Answer 6

Voter turnout in Presidential and Congressional elections is consistently lower among the black population compared to the white population

2020, African American turnout was 62.6% in comparison to 71% of white voters.

Georgia, there were reports of long waiting times in predominantly Black neighbourhoods, which can discourage voting.

florida pay to vote