Criminal Justice

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  1. affirmative action
    a policy designed to redress past discrimination
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  2. impend
    be imminent or about to happen
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  3. University of Texas
    a university in Austin, Texas
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  4. holistic
    emphasizing the organic relation between parts and the whole
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  5. jettison
    throw away, of something encumbering
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  6. freshman class
    the first class in college or high school
    By 2007, the year before Fisher filed her lawsuit, African-Americans and Hispanics accounted for more than a quarter of the entering freshman class.
  7. affirmative
    giving assent
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  8. African-American
    an American whose ancestors were born in Africa
    Before adding race back into the mix, Texas' student body was 21 percent African-American and Hispanic, according to court papers.
  9. appeals court
    a court whose jurisdiction is to review decisions of lower courts or agencies
    A federal appeals court upheld the Texas program at issue, saying it was allowed under the high court's decision in Grutter vs.
  10. lower court
    any court whose decisions can be appealed to a higher court
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  11. high court
    the highest court in most states of the United States
    A federal appeals court upheld the Texas program at issue, saying it was allowed under the high court's decision in Grutter vs.
  12. solicitor general
    a law officer appointed to assist an attorney general
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  13. endorse
    approve of
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  14. Hispanic
    an American whose first language is Spanish
    Before adding race back into the mix, Texas' student body was 21 percent African-American and Hispanic, according to court papers.
  15. Texas
    the second largest state
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  16. enroll
    register formally as a participant or member
    By then, the two had enrolled elsewhere.
  17. fisher
    someone whose occupation is catching fish
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  18. lawsuit
    any proceeding in a court whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy
    The challenge to the University of Texas program comes from Abigail Fisher, who filed a lawsuit with another woman when they were denied admission there.
  19. uphold
    stand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals
    A federal appeals court upheld the Texas program at issue, saying it was allowed under the high court's decision in Grutter vs.
  20. drop out
    give up or quit in the face of defeat
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  21. foretell
    foreshadow or presage
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  22. University of Michigan
    a university in Ann Arbor, Michigan
    Bollinger in 2003 that upheld racial considerations in university admissions at the University of Michigan law school.
  23. allow for
    make a possibility or provide opportunity for
    The Texas policy applies to the remaining spots and allows for the consideration of race along with other factors.
  24. enrollment
    the act of registering for something
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  25. freshman
    a first-year undergraduate
    Most entering freshmen at Texas are admitted because they are among the top 10 percent in their high school class.
  26. admission
    the act of letting someone enter
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  27. selective
    characterized by very careful or fastidious choice
    "But the vast majority of schools that are selective are using affirmative action, though they don't like to advertise it for fear of being sued," he said.
  28. ruling
    exercising power or authority
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  29. Supreme Court
    the highest federal court in the United States
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  30. makeup
    the way in which someone or something is composed
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  31. higher education
    education provided by a college or university
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  32. Vanderbilt
    United States financier who accumulated great wealth from railroad and shipping businesses (1794-1877)
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  33. court
    an assembly to conduct judicial business
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  34. university
    an institution of higher learning that grants degrees
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  35. quota
    a prescribed number
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  36. flagship
    the ship that carries the commander of a fleet and flies his flag
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  37. graduation
    the successful completion of a program of study
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  38. prohibit
    command against
    Fitzpatrick said two other states, California and Florida, use similar "top 10" plans, although California law explicitly prohibits the consideration of race.
  39. Justice
    the U.S. department responsible for enforcing federal laws
    For one thing, Justice Samuel Alito appears more hostile to affirmative action than his predecessor, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
  40. law school
    a graduate school offering study leading to a law degree
    Bollinger in 2003 that upheld racial considerations in university admissions at the University of Michigan law school.
  41. explicitly
    in a clearly expressed manner
    Fitzpatrick said two other states, California and Florida, use similar "top 10" plans, although California law explicitly prohibits the consideration of race.
  42. update
    modernize
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  43. O'Connor
    United States writer (1925-1964)
    For one thing, Justice Samuel Alito appears more hostile to affirmative action than his predecessor, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
  44. Justice Department
    the United States federal department responsible for enforcing federal laws (including the enforcement of all civil rights legislation); created in 1870
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  45. confront
    oppose, as in hostility or a competition
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  46. sue
    institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
    "But the vast majority of schools that are selective are using affirmative action, though they don't like to advertise it for fear of being sued," he said.
  47. solicitor
    a British lawyer who gives legal advice
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  48. advertise
    make publicity for; try to sell
    "But the vast majority of schools that are selective are using affirmative action, though they don't like to advertise it for fear of being sued," he said.
  49. outlaw
    a criminal, especially one on the run from police
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  50. student
    a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  51. violate
    fail to agree with; go against
    They contended the university's race-conscious policy violated their civil and constitutional rights.
  52. factor in
    consider as relevant when making a decision
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  53. diversity
    noticeable variety
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  54. factor
    anything that contributes causally to a result
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  55. race
    a contest of speed
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  56. entering
    the act of entering
    Most entering freshmen at Texas are admitted because they are among the top 10 percent in their high school class.
  57. Court
    Australian woman tennis player who won many major championships (born in 1947)
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  58. supreme
    greatest in status or authority or power
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  59. violated
    treated irreverently or sacrilegiously
    They contended the university's race-conscious policy violated their civil and constitutional rights.
  60. impending
    close in time; about to occur
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  61. file
    record in a public office or in a court of law
    The challenge to the University of Texas program comes from Abigail Fisher, who filed a lawsuit with another woman when they were denied admission there.
  62. take part
    share in something
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  63. campus
    a field on which the buildings of a university are situated
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  64. predecessor
    one who goes before you in time
    For one thing, Justice Samuel Alito appears more hostile to affirmative action than his predecessor, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
  65. racial
    of or related to groups of people sharing distinctive traits
    Bollinger in 2003 that upheld racial considerations in university admissions at the University of Michigan law school.
  66. participation
    the act of sharing in the activities of a group
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  67. threaten
    utter intentions of injury or punishment against
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  68. reject
    refuse to accept or acknowledge
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  69. contend
    compete for something
    They contended the university's race-conscious policy violated their civil and constitutional rights.
  70. consideration
    the process of giving careful thought to something
    Bollinger in 2003 that upheld racial considerations in university admissions at the University of Michigan law school.
  71. action
    something done (usually as opposed to something said)
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  72. program
    a series of steps to be carried out
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  73. African
    a native or inhabitant of Africa
    Before adding race back into the mix, Texas' student body was 21 percent African-American and Hispanic, according to court papers.
  74. deny
    declare untrue; contradict
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  75. Austin
    state capital of Texas on the Colorado River
    University of Texas at Austin, 11-345
  76. resume
    take up or begin anew
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  77. outcome
    something that results
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  78. policy
    a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group
    They contended the university's race-conscious policy violated their civil and constitutional rights.
  79. Louisiana
    a state in southern United States on the Gulf of Mexico
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  80. issue
    some situation or event that is thought about
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  81. once again
    anew
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  82. accord
    concurrence of opinion
    Before adding race back into the mix, Texas' student body was 21 percent African-American and Hispanic, according to court papers.
  83. high school
    a public secondary school usually including grades 9 through 12
    Most entering freshmen at Texas are admitted because they are among the top 10 percent in their high school class.
  84. conservative
    resistant to change
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  85. argue
    have a disagreement about something
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  86. Tuesday
    the third day of the week; the second working day
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  87. Michigan
    a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
    Bollinger in 2003 that upheld racial considerations in university admissions at the University of Michigan law school.
  88. account for
    be the reason or explanation for
    By 2007, the year before Fisher filed her lawsuit, African-Americans and Hispanics accounted for more than a quarter of the entering freshman class.
  89. appeal
    earnest or urgent request
    A federal appeals court upheld the Texas program at issue, saying it was allowed under the high court's decision in Grutter vs.
  90. California
    a state in the western United States on the Pacific
    Fitzpatrick said two other states, California and Florida, use similar "top 10" plans, although California law explicitly prohibits the consideration of race.
  91. Day
    United States writer best known for his autobiographical works (1874-1935)
    For one thing, Justice Samuel Alito appears more hostile to affirmative action than his predecessor, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
  92. enter
    to come or go into
    Most entering freshmen at Texas are admitted because they are among the top 10 percent in their high school class.
  93. mix
    mix together different elements
    Before adding race back into the mix, Texas' student body was 21 percent African-American and Hispanic, according to court papers.
  94. lean
    incline or bend from a vertical position
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  95. spots
    spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens
    The Texas policy applies to the remaining spots and allows for the consideration of race along with other factors.
  96. class
    a collection of things sharing a common attribute
    Most entering freshmen at Texas are admitted because they are among the top 10 percent in their high school class.
  97. drop
    let fall to the ground
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  98. case
    an occurrence of something
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  99. presidential
    relating to a president or presidency
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  100. constitutional
    existing as an essential characteristic
    They contended the university's race-conscious policy violated their civil and constitutional rights.
  101. hostile
    characterized by enmity or ill will
    For one thing, Justice Samuel Alito appears more hostile to affirmative action than his predecessor, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
  102. decision
    a position or opinion reached after consideration
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  103. rejected
    rebuffed (by a lover) without warning
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  104. at a time
    simultaneously
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  105. Samuel
    Hebrew prophet and judge who anointed Saul as king
    For one thing, Justice Samuel Alito appears more hostile to affirmative action than his predecessor, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
  106. Florida
    a state in southeastern United States between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War
    Fitzpatrick said two other states, California and Florida, use similar "top 10" plans, although California law explicitly prohibits the consideration of race.
  107. leaning
    the act of deviating from a vertical position
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  108. allow
    make it possible for something to happen
    A federal appeals court upheld the Texas program at issue, saying it was allowed under the high court's decision in Grutter vs.
  109. challenge
    a call to engage in a contest or fight
    The challenge to the University of Texas program comes from Abigail Fisher, who filed a lawsuit with another woman when they were denied admission there.
  110. apply
    employ for a particular purpose
    The Texas policy applies to the remaining spots and allows for the consideration of race along with other factors.
  111. high
    being at or having a relatively great or specific elevation
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  112. use
    put into service
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  113. spot
    a point located with respect to surface features of some region
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  114. previously
    at an earlier time or formerly
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  115. senior
    advanced in years
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  116. increasing
    becoming greater or larger
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  117. liberal
    showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  118. elsewhere
    in or to another place
    By then, the two had enrolled elsewhere.
  119. say
    utter aloud
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  120. percent
    a proportion in relation to a whole
    Most entering freshmen at Texas are admitted because they are among the top 10 percent in their high school class.
  121. federal
    of a government with central and regional authorities
    A federal appeals court upheld the Texas program at issue, saying it was allowed under the high court's decision in Grutter vs.
  122. appear
    come into sight or view
    For one thing, Justice Samuel Alito appears more hostile to affirmative action than his predecessor, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
  123. school
    an educational institution
    Bollinger in 2003 that upheld racial considerations in university admissions at the University of Michigan law school.
  124. starting
    appropriate to the beginning or start of an event
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  125. remaining
    not used up
    The Texas policy applies to the remaining spots and allows for the consideration of race along with other factors.
  126. conscious
    having awareness of surroundings and sensations and thoughts
    They contended the university's race-conscious policy violated their civil and constitutional rights.
  127. plan
    a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be achieved
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  128. justice
    the quality of being fair, reasonable, or impartial
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  129. education
    activities that impart knowledge or skill
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  130. argument
    a dispute where there is strong disagreement
    But the Supreme Court appeared not to buy that argument Tuesday.
  131. law
    the collection of rules imposed by authority
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  132. favor
    an act of gracious kindness
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  133. admit
    declare to be true or accept the reality of
    Most entering freshmen at Texas are admitted because they are among the top 10 percent in their high school class.
  134. absence
    the state of being not present
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  135. for the first time
    the initial time
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  136. for one
    as a particular one of several possibilities
    For one thing, Justice Samuel Alito appears more hostile to affirmative action than his predecessor, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
  137. majority
    the main part
    "But the vast majority of schools that are selective are using affirmative action, though they don't like to advertise it for fear of being sued," he said.
  138. approach
    move towards
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  139. top
    the upper part of anything
    Most entering freshmen at Texas are admitted because they are among the top 10 percent in their high school class.
  140. nation
    a politically organized body of people under a government
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  141. election
    a vote choosing the winner of a position or political office
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  142. add
    join or combine or unite with others
    Before adding race back into the mix, Texas' student body was 21 percent African-American and Hispanic, according to court papers.
  143. probably
    with considerable certainty; without much doubt
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  144. using
    an act that exploits or victimizes someone
    "But the vast majority of schools that are selective are using affirmative action, though they don't like to advertise it for fear of being sued," he said.
  145. possibly
    to a degree possible of achievement or by possible means
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  146. vote
    a choice made by counting people in favor of alternatives
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  147. campaign
    related operations aimed at achieving a particular goal
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  148. civil
    of or occurring between or among citizens of the state
    They contended the university's race-conscious policy violated their civil and constitutional rights.
  149. bring
    take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  150. papers
    writing that provides information
    Before adding race back into the mix, Texas' student body was 21 percent African-American and Hispanic, according to court papers.
  151. increase
    a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  152. earlier
    more early than; most early
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  153. vast
    unusually great in size or amount or extent or scope
    "But the vast majority of schools that are selective are using affirmative action, though they don't like to advertise it for fear of being sued," he said.
  154. broad
    having great extent from one side to the other
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  155. state
    the way something is with respect to its main attributes
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  156. professor
    a member of the faculty at a college or university
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  157. department
    a specialized division of a large organization
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  158. serve
    devote one's life or efforts to, as of countries or ideas
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  159. quarter
    one of four equal parts
    By 2007, the year before Fisher filed her lawsuit, African-Americans and Hispanics accounted for more than a quarter of the entering freshman class.
  160. consider
    think about carefully; weigh
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  161. buy
    obtain by purchase
    But the Supreme Court appeared not to buy that argument Tuesday.
  162. final
    an exam administered at the end of an academic term
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  163. expect
    regard something as probable or likely
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  164. American
    of or relating to the United States of America or its people or language or culture
    Before adding race back into the mix, Texas' student body was 21 percent African-American and Hispanic, according to court papers.
  165. State
    the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  166. body
    an individual 3-dimensional object that has mass
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  167. similar
    having the same or nearly the same characteristics
    Fitzpatrick said two other states, California and Florida, use similar "top 10" plans, although California law explicitly prohibits the consideration of race.
  168. changed
    made or become different in nature or form
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  169. entirely
    to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  170. lower
    move something or somebody to a lower position
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  171. higher
    advanced in complexity or elaboration
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  172. remain
    continue in a place, position, or situation
    The Texas policy applies to the remaining spots and allows for the consideration of race along with other factors.
  173. support
    the act of bearing the weight of or strengthening
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  174. fall
    descend freely under the influence of gravity
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  175. start
    take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  176. follow
    travel behind, go after, or come after
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  177. private
    confined to particular persons or groups
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  178. expected
    considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  179. result
    something that follows as a consequence
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  180. paper
    a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
    Before adding race back into the mix, Texas' student body was 21 percent African-American and Hispanic, according to court papers.
  181. woman
    an adult female person
    The challenge to the University of Texas program comes from Abigail Fisher, who filed a lawsuit with another woman when they were denied admission there.
  182. instead
    in place of, or as an alternative to
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  183. said
    being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  184. eye
    the organ of sight
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  185. saying
    a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
    A federal appeals court upheld the Texas program at issue, saying it was allowed under the high court's decision in Grutter vs.
  186. according
    in agreement with
    Before adding race back into the mix, Texas' student body was 21 percent African-American and Hispanic, according to court papers.
  187. account
    a record or narrative description of past events
    By 2007, the year before Fisher filed her lawsuit, African-Americans and Hispanics accounted for more than a quarter of the entering freshman class.
  188. change
    become different in some particular way
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  189. ask
    make a request or demand for something to somebody
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  190. fear
    an emotion in anticipation of some specific pain or danger
    "But the vast majority of schools that are selective are using affirmative action, though they don't like to advertise it for fear of being sued," he said.
  191. taking
    the act of someone who picks up or takes something
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  192. following
    the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
    But following the high court ruling in 2003, the university resumed considering race starting with its 2005 entering class

    Texas said its updated policy does not use quotas, which the high court has previously rejected.Instead, it said it takes a Supreme Court-endorsed holistic approach to enrollment, with an eye toward increasing the diversity of the student body.
  193. another
    an additional or different one
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  194. different
    unlike in nature, quality, form, or degree
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  195. early
    at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  196. white
    being of the achromatic color of maximum lightness
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  197. return
    go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  198. take
    get into one's hands
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  199. public
    not private
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  200. other
    not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  201. being
    the state or fact of existing
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  202. along
    in line with a length or direction
    The Texas policy applies to the remaining spots and allows for the consideration of race along with other factors.
  203. around
    in the area or vicinity
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  204. time
    the continuum of experience in which events pass to the past
    The court said Tuesday it will return to the issue of affirmative action in higher education for the first time since its 2003 decision endorsing the use of race as a factor in admissions.
  205. more
    greater in size or amount or extent or degree
    This time around, a more conservative court is being asked to outlaw the use of Texas' affirmative action plan and possibly to jettison the earlier ruling entirely.
  206. more than
    (comparative of `much' used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
    By 2007, the year before Fisher filed her lawsuit, African-Americans and Hispanics accounted for more than a quarter of the entering freshman class.
  207. general
    applying to all or most members of a category or group
    Kagan's absence probably is a result of the Justice Department's participation in the Texas case in the lower courts at a time when she served as solicitor general.
  208. have
    possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense
    By then, the two had enrolled elsewhere.
  209. end
    either extremity of something that has length
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  210. before
    at or in the front
    Before adding race back into the mix, Texas' student body was 21 percent African-American and Hispanic, according to court papers.
  211. days
    the time during which someone's life continues
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  212. are
    a unit of surface area equal to 100 square meters
    Most entering freshmen at Texas are admitted because they are among the top 10 percent in their high school class.
  213. thing
    a separate and self-contained entity
    For one thing, Justice Samuel Alito appears more hostile to affirmative action than his predecessor, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
  214. can
    airtight sealed metal container for food or drink, etc.
    A broad ruling in favor of the student, Abigail Fisher, could threaten affirmative action programs at many of the nation's public and private universities, said Vanderbilt University law professor Brian Fitzpatrick.
  215. will
    the capability of conscious choice and decision
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  216. two
    the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one
    By then, the two had enrolled elsewhere.
  217. year
    the period of time that it takes for a planet (as, e.g., Earth or Mars) to make a complete revolution around the sun
    By 2007, the year before Fisher filed her lawsuit, African-Americans and Hispanics accounted for more than a quarter of the entering freshman class.
  218. day
    time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
    The Texas case will be argued in the fall, probably in the final days of the presidential election campaign, and the changed makeup of the Supreme Court could foretell a different outcome.
  219. part
    one of the portions into which something is regarded as divided and which together constitute a whole
    For another, Justice Elena Kagan, who might be expected to vote with the court's liberal-leaning justices in support of it, is not taking part in the case.
  220. out of
    motivated by
    The other woman has since dropped out of the case and the state has said that Fisher is a senior at Louisiana State University whose impending graduation should bring an end to the lawsuit.
  221. once
    on one occasion
    WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will once again confront the issue of race in university admissions in a case brought by a white student denied a spot at the flagship campus of the University of Texas.
  222. right
    free from error; especially conforming to fact or truth
    They contended the university's race-conscious policy violated their civil and constitutional rights.
Created on Tue Feb 21 12:10:21 EST 2012

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