This article revisits the University of Michigan's 2003 affirmative action cases, "Grutter v. Bollinger" and "Gratz v. Bollinger." Through the aid of critical textual analysis and critical race theory, the author looks back at the predominant narratives that framed the challenge to, and defense of, race-conscious affirmative…

Describes an analysis of the consequences of abandoning race as a factor in law school admissions. Addresses the importance of student diversity in the context of legal education. Analysis of data for 90,335 students shows that without consideration of race, the most selective U.S. law schools would be unable to enroll more than a few minority…

This multi-layered counterstory contextualizes the Michigan Law School and undergraduate affirmative action cases currently in the higher courts. Set within student intervenor arguments in the Michigan case, it evokes the spirit of Thurgood Marshall to replay history and arguments in the complex legal battles over affirmative action in higher…

Describes the benefits of racially diverse student bodies at law schools. A diverse legal profession enhances the appearance of justice and increases public confidence that the system is unbiased and accessible to all. Citizens cannot respect a system of justice that appears to perpetuate prejudice and exclude certain people from its…

Presents an afterword to a collection of articles that illustrate how critical race theory shapes educational research and enables scholars to analyze educational outcomes that might otherwise remain hidden. Offers insight into the forward movement of critical race theory and education, suggesting that the articles collectively make a case for…