Regent Of California vs Bakke: Customs and Norms

 On behalf of the Medical School at the University of California, we are here to address the issues of Allan Bakke. I understand that Allan has been rejected by our Medical School, and it is of his opinion that it is upon the basis or his race. Obviously we disagree with this accusation on multiple different angles, but the argument I plan to present is one surrounding customs and norms.

To simplify, let me explain what is mean't by customs and norms. This refers to the culture and climate of the university surrounding specific issues. In this case the topic is race. Historically the University of California, like several other institutions, was whites only. Now that we are in the year 1978 there has been a wake up call, and there is a demand for social justice not just for African Americans but for several minorities in the United States.

The previous statement is significant in understanding the argument I am preparing to pose. Which is that the standard of Universities has changed with the times regarding race. In order to rapidly change as a society, it is necessary that we give minorities opportunities that were robbed of them for so many years. With this in mind, any University can understand why it is important to add diversity, because the world is demanding it.

In an every changing society, it is expected for laws to to change and evolve with the people. This brings me to discuss the norms of the world and how they effect this case. Previously this discussion would not have even been considered, due to the university being historically all white. Now ironically, we are here debating why a white man cannot get into the school because of the color of his skin.

From what I have presented thus far, anyone would assume that Allan was in fact rejected on the basis of his race, which would be deemed unconstitutional. This is where affirmative action comes in and nullifies this debate, explaining that it may be constitutional if race is one of several other factors in the admission process. Of course universities such as California intend to promote diversity and stand against discrimination, meaning that Allan is not being excluded solely upon race.

Now that the lawful terms of the decision have been explained with context to society, there is one more idea that must be brought into consideration. It is the issue of Allan's credibility. Overall Allan had better scores than the minorities who were accepted into the institution, meaning that on paper he should be accepted. However upon further inspection, there is far more required of a college student than simply his grades.

Academic excellence is just one piece of the puzzle in the admission process for universities. It is far more demanding now that we are starting to see the potential in students in things outside of the classroom. What a student brings to the university must be well considered. Race can be considered a piece but it is not the entire puzzle. Things like social work and school involvement are crucial to build a solid resume. Therefore it makes sense that the university would reject a student like Allan as opposed to other applicants who are more well rounded.

In conclusion the arguments I have presented regarding social norms and customs provided sufficient evidence as to why Allan was rejected at the University of California. The issue of race is only valid if it is accompanied by among other factors, and evidently it is. Mr. Bakke was not solely rejected because of the color of his skin.

https://www.oyez.org/cases/1979/76-811

https://www.thirteen.org/wnet/supremecourt/rights/landmark_regents.html