Mon., 3/5/12: Affirmative Action in the High Court

Affirmative Action in the High Court
This fall, the Supreme Court will hear a landmark case that could ban affirmative action in higher education, once and for all. Affirmative action was hatched half a century ago to reverse decades of institutionalized racism. In its current incarnation it's seen as a way to bolster the numbers of underrepresented minorities in higher education.

Proponents say affirmative action needs more time to undo centuries of discrimination. Opponents say that, in 2012, it's time to push past policies based on the color of someone's skin. In a time of extreme economic disparities should schools toss out racial quotas and reach out to low-income students of all races? If the Court repeals Affirmative Action, how do you think this will play out in Massachusetts - where colleges and universities currently draw from a diverse pool of applicants?

Let us know what you think: Tweet us or leave a comment at our Facebook page.

GUESTS
  Jess Bravin, Supreme Court correspndent, The Wall Street Journal.
  Gail Heriot, Professor of Law, University of San Diego School of Law.
  Alane Shanks, President, Pine Manor College.