There the Court adopted strict scrutiny for race preference in federal contracting.

California adopted a 4 percent rule after a voter initiative, Prop. 209, banned race preferences at state colleges and universities.

Status groups are based on things such as: race, ethnicity, religion, region, occupation, gender, sexual preference, etc.

And those of us who oppose race preferences when they benefit groups are also opposed to them when they harm groups.

On what grounds could they favor race preferences in one area (admissions) and condemn them in the other (selling cookies) as racist?

The supporters of race preferences counter that the country cannot end affirmative action without first fixing the education system.

Breyer likewise justifies upholding race preferences in university admissions on the ground that such policies enhance democracy.

Its lawyers sued on behalf of a white applicant, charging the state with unconstitutional race preference.

They also fear becoming the "subject of speculation" as to whether they are beneficiaries of race preferences.