What did the court rule in the case Grutter v. Bollinger (2003)?

In Grutter v. Bollinger, the Supreme Court upheld the use of affirmative action in the admissions process at the University of Michigan Law School, emphasizing that promoting racial diversity within educational institutions serves a compelling governmental interest. The ruling affirmed that achieving a diverse student body not only enhances the educational experience for all students but also helps in reducing discrimination and fostering an environment where individuals from different backgrounds can learn from each other. This decision recognized that racial diversity is integral to the mission of educational institutions and that the consideration of race as one factor among many in admissions decisions can be constitutional, aligning with the broader goals of equality and inclusion.

This ruling did not endorse the use of rigid quotas, nor did it suggest that states could universally prohibit affirmative action programs simply based on voter preference. Instead, it reinforced the idea that educational institutions can legitimately strive for diversity as part of their mission.