Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

1 Approved Answer

Concerned about the extreme underrepresentation of women in the field, the University of Michigan's Computer Science department recently adopted a policy of reserving half the

Concerned about the extreme underrepresentation of women in the field, the University of Michigan's Computer Science department recently adopted a policy of reserving half the slots in its PhD program for women. In announcing this new policy, the department chair offered the following justification: "Frankly, we cannot remain passive any longer. Information technology will define the future of our nation and the world. It is intolerable that a field with such enormous social significance should be overwhelmingly dominated by menor any other single group. We have no doubt that this regrettable state of affairs is the result of inaccurate and harmful gender stereotypes, as well as the cultural barriers created by such a male-dominated environment. To counteract these forces and to secure the benefits of gender diversity to our students and the world, we have decided to act. Only by dramatically increasing the representation of women in top computer science programs can we hope to break down the old barriers and stereotypes and create an environment that is truly and equally open to all aspirants." Because female applicants make up only 23% of Michigan's applicant pool, some of the female students admitted under this new policy had slightly lower grades and test scores than male students who were rejected. Alejandro Alvarez is an aspiring computer scientist whose application to Michigan was rejected. His undergraduate grades and test scores were better than those of some female students admitted to the program but worse than those of other female applicants who were also rejected. Upset at this perceived unequal treatment Alvarez filed suit challenging Michigan's gender-quota system as a violation of the Equal Protection Clause. Is his suit likely to succeed?

Analyze in IRAC format.

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image

Step: 3

blur-text-image

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

Criminal Law Cases And Materials

Authors: Joshua Dressler, Stephen Garvey

9th Edition

1647087708, 978-1647087708

More Books

Students also viewed these Law questions

Question

5. How can I help others in the network achieve their goals?

Answered: 1 week ago