UT again defends race-based admissions

AUSTIN (AP) — The University of Texas has filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court defending its use of race as a factor in admissions.

A white student who was not admitted to the school has challenged the policy as unconstitutional. The Supreme Court agreed in February to consider the case, setting the stage for its first ruling on affirmative action in higher education since 2003.

The case is being watched closely for a broad ruling that could impact admissions policy at public and private universities nationwide.

Texas admits most of its students because they rank among the top 10 percent in their high school classes. For other students, Texas officials say that while race is considered a factor, it is not used to set racial quotas.