Mock Trial #3

Board of Regency v. Bakke was a debate about a 35 year old white man, who had applied twice for admission to the University of California Medical School at Davis. He was rejected both times. The school reserved sixteen places in each entering class of one hundred for "qualified" minorities, as part of the university's affirmative action program. Bakke's qualifications exceeded those of any of the minority students admitted in the two years. Bakke's applications were rejected. He was excluded from admission solely on the basis of race. Our class members debated on this and the irony of this case was that it was put into act because people of color were discriminated against and the guy in this case was someone that wasn't of color. Therefore he already had an advantage. The side that was arguing in favor of him had some good points. Bakke had higher scores than any of the students that were already accepted. It wasn't just the quota system that was a problem, but the affirmative action in general was. The students were admitted, wouldn't be ready for real things. It was reverse of discrimination. African Americans and other minorities have made progress starting with the end of slavery. A program like this wasn't necessarily needed. The school is doing this with the quoting system making it an unwelcoming social experience. Creating a system that doesn't reflect reality. Both sides had good points, but I was glad to hear and learn more about this case.