U.S. Supreme Court Will Look at Affirmative Action

The U.S. Supreme Court began their 1997-98 term today, which will run from October to June. In January, the Supreme Court will look at a case where affirmative action was used to increase diversity. The case concerns Sharon Taxman, a white teacher in New Jersey who was laid off while an equally qualified black teacher was kept for racial diversity.

The Supreme Court has restricted governmental affirmative action programs in the past several years. President Clinton stated that he believes the school board was wrong in this case, but that programs that increase diversity should be preserved.

During this term, the Court will also look at whether the federal civil rights law that covers workplace sexual harassment also applies to same-sex harassment.

Media Resources: Reuters - October 6, 1997

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