So, what *is* affirmative action in higher education in Texas? It's a loaded question with a complex history. Officially, traditional affirmative action, specifically considering race as a factor in college admissions, is *banned* in Texas public universities.
This ban stems primarily from the Hopwood v. Texas ruling in 1996 (later clarified and somewhat softened by subsequent Supreme Court decisions, though the ban remains in place for Texas public institutions) and subsequent state laws.
However, Texas schools still strive for diversity. The "Top Ten Percent Rule," which guarantees automatic admission to the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University to students graduating in the top 10% of their high school class, is a key strategy. This aims to increase diversity by drawing students from a wide range of high schools, many of which are racially and socioeconomically diverse.
Ultimately, while race cannot be a direct factor, universities can consider other aspects of an applicant's background and experiences to build a diverse student body. It's a tightrope walk, balancing legal requirements with the desire for equitable access to higher education.
