One of my law students, Adrianne Denman is an AP Government teacher at Morton Ranch High School in Katy, Texas. Yesterday, I spent about an hour with the class talking about Fisher v. University of Texas, Austin. Overall, it was an excellent discussion. The students were very responsive, mature, and thoughtful.
Many of the students will be applying to the University of Texas very soon, so the discussion was quiet salient. Also, Abigail Fisher, the plaintiff in the case, is from Sugar Land Texas (not too far from Houston).
What was even more interesting about this audience, is that they may be the last Freshman class at the University of Texas that was admitted through an admission policy that considers race. They are all seniors, and are sending out their college applications in a few months. They will likely get their admission decisions at some point in the spring–before the Supreme Court hands down its opinion either upholding the UT program, or striking it down. I asked the students to reflect on this. If the program is struck down, how will their friends, who are now juniors fare. If the program is struck down, what will the UT Freshman class look like when they are seniors. I am always thrilled and honored to see students engaging the Constitution and important issues like affirmative actions. And their teacher is one of my students, so that can’t hurt 🙂
These photographs are courtesy of Adrianne Denman.
Here is the video. Though–tragically–my head got cut off! My fault for not positioning the camera better, lol. I assure you, I never lose my head with students!