This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
Background and question before the Court
The matter came on for oral argument before the Supreme Court of the United States at 10:04 a.m.
Counsel for the petitioner, Mr. Kirk O. Kolbo, appeared on behalf of the petitioner.
What each side argues
Petitioner Position
According to Petitioner, the Constitution protects the rights of individuals, not racial groups.
Respondent Position
According to Ms. Mahoney, the admissions policy is not a quota.
According to University of Michigan, the policy will only take race into account when it is necessary to achieve the educational objectives.
What happened at oral argument
Oral argument began at 10:04 a.m. before the Supreme Court.
Counsel for the petitioner, Mr. Kirk O. Kolbo, appeared on behalf of the petitioner.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- a5c61ea5e9c21914ce14-r1-bec43eaf2ca32bef.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 20, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.