Affirmative Action and Equal Protection

This lesson considers equal protection and affirmative action. It treats the beginnings of affirmative action, the level of scrutiny that applies to affirmative action, the special context of affirmative action and education, and affirmative action and the political process, including redistricting.

It can be used as an introduction, supplement, or as review. This lesson presumes completion of the CALI Lesson Race and Equal Protection.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the lesson, the student will be able to:

1. Recognize important aspects of the constitutional development of affirmative action.
2. Articulate and apply the constitutional doctrine regarding affirmative action racial classifications, especially in the areas of government contracting and education.
3. Articulate and apply the constitutional doctrine regarding racial classifications as part of the political process, including prohibitions of affirmative action and redistricting of voting districts.