Allan Bakke

Allan Bakke was a man who challenged university admission policies in the 1970s because he believed they unfairly discriminated against white applicants. He applied to the University of California medical school and was rejected, while the school accepted minority applicants with lower test scores. Bakke argued this violated Equal Protection Clause under the Constitution. The Supreme Court in 1978 ruled that the use of strict racial quotas was unconstitutional but allowed race to be considered as one factor among others in admissions. His case highlighted the complex debate over affirmative action and how to achieve diversity while ensuring fairness.