FILE IMAGE OF US SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION POLICY, 2003-06-23 (photo)

The U.S. Supreme Court upheld (5-4) on June 23, 2003 the University of Michigan's affirmative action policy that favors minorities who apply to its law school. It was the high court's first ruling on the important civil rights issue in 25 years. The U.S. Constitution "does not prohibit the law school's narrowly tailored use of race in admissions decisions to further a compelling interest in obtaining the educational benefits that flow from a diverse student body," Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said for the court majority. The exterior of the Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C. is seen in this undated file image. REUTERS/Hyungwon Kang/FILE HK/GAC