Reading, Writing, and Race

The historic battle over access to higher education in America is now at the Supreme Court. The High Court rule will review the use of considering race in college admissions at the University of Michigan.

The justices have taken up appeals from two white applicants who were rejected by the undergraduate program and law school, despite strong academic records.

Critics of the affirmative action say it's reverse discrimination; proponents say it's the only way to level the playing field.

What would society lose if affirmative programs were eliminated? Is there a greater good at stake here? Or, should they be abolished?

Guests:

Dahlia Lithwick, senior editor and Supeme Court correspondent for slate.com

Carol Swain, Professor of Law and Political Science at Vandebilt University

Angelo Ancheta, Legal Director for The Civil Rights Project at Harvard University