Texas v. Lesage
United States Supreme Court
528 U.S. 18 (1999)
- Written by Whitney Kamerzel , JD
Facts
Francois Daniel Lesage (plaintiff), an African immigrant, applied to the counseling psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Texas (the school) (defendant). During the year Lesage applied, the school had 223 applicants for this program and accepted 20 students. The school considered an applicant’s race during the application process in addition to the applicant’s qualifications. Lesage was rejected and sued the school in federal district court under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for damages and injunctive relief. The school argued that Lesage would not have been accepted regardless of the school’s consideration of Lesage’s race. Many other students had better scores than Lesage, and the school found Lesage’s application weak. The district court therefore granted the school summary judgment. The court of appeals reversed, holding that because race was impermissibly considered in the application process, Lesage had suffered an implied injury. The Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Per curiam)
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