Final answer:
The major impact of the Bakke Decision was the prohibition of strict racial quotas in college admissions and employment, while affirming the legality of considering race as one of several factors. This landmark decision shaped the implementation of affirmative action and continues to influence court rulings and debates on race, education, and employment practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of the Bakke Decision
The Regents of the University of California v. Bakke decision was a pivotal moment in higher education and employment practices. In 1978, the Supreme Court decided that while affirmative action policies were permissible, the use of strict racial quotas was not. The Bakke Decision effectively struck down the admissions program at the University of California, Davis, which had set aside 16 spots for minority applicants. This decision underscored that while race can be considered as one aspect of admissions decisions, it cannot be the sole criterion.
The major impact of the Bakke Decision on society was the clarification of how affirmative action should be implemented. Institutions could seek diversity in their enrolment or employment but must do so without using a quota system that amounts to reverse discrimination. This case set a precedent for subsequent rulings on affirmative action, influencing how race and ethnicity are considered in college admissions and employment practices.
The Bakke Decision has been referenced in numerous subsequent court cases, most notably Grutter v. Bollinger which reaffirmed the acceptability of considering race in college admissions, within the context of a holistic approach to applicant review, but without allowing quotas. The Supreme Court's engagement with affirmative action policies continues to evolve, with recent and upcoming cases which revisit these principles, impacting educational institutions and students across the nation.