Final answer:
The Cheryl Hopwood story was controversial because it centered around a case of alleged reverse discrimination and affirmative action in college admissions at the University of Texas Law School, leading to significant legal and educational policy discussions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The story of Cheryl Hopwood became controversial because it involved a high-profile affirmative action case where Hopwood, a white applicant, was denied admission to the University of Texas Law School. She perceived this as a case of reverse discrimination due to the school's affirmative action policies, which aimed to promote diversity and were thought to favor minority applicants. Ultimately, her case went to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled in her favor, stating that the university's admissions policies were in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This decision was significant as it challenged the practice of affirmative action within higher education and led to a string of legal debates and policy changes nationwide, making it a contentious and impactful legal controversy.