LUBBOCK, Texas -
Another heated issue that has bounced from court to court received a thumbs up from the Supreme Court.
The Justices upheld Affirmative Action 4-3 in a case against the University of Texas.
Abigail Fisher, a white woman, sued the University in 2008 after she says her application was denied based on her race.
Supporters of affirmative action argue it's necessary to ensure diversity. Opponents say it creates reverse discrimination.
Some states, including Texas, have replaced their affirmative action plans with percentage plans. These plans guarantee the states top 10 percent of high school graduates a spot in any school.
"We are so very thrilled about the Supreme Court decision rendered today," said UT's Diversity and Community Engagement Vice President, Gregory Vincent. "We believe that this is an affirmation of the constitutional policies that we have followed throughout this term."
Tech's interim executive director of undergraduate admissions says this ruling has no impact on Tech's admission policies.
"Because we don't use race or ethnicity in admissions, we have very progressive outreach programs in underrepresented communities, and populations," Jamie Hansard said. "It has been very effective for us. If you look at enrollment over the past five years, you will see there has been an increase in diversity on campus. Our goal at the university is we want our student population to match the population of the state."
Only seven justices participated in today's decision. Justice Elena Kagan recused herself for prior work on the case.
In a statement, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says UT is a fine institution and "the opportunities it offers should be available to all students based on their merit, not the color of their skin."
