Daily News Lesson

SHOW ALL

June 30, 2023, 9:20 a.m.

Supreme Court strikes affirmative action + Newswrap 6/30/23 + Student video

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court dealt a major blow to affirmative action in higher education, striking down race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. The ruling has widespread implications for the future of higher education. Geoff Bennett discussed the decision with NewsHour Supreme Court analyst Marcia Coyle.
For a transcript of this story, click here . News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Five Facts

  1. Why was this ruling expected?
  2. How long has there been a fundamental divide on the Supreme Court?
  3. Who is Ketanji Brown Jackson?
  4. Where did Ketanji Brown Jackson serve for years?
  5. When did the court uphold race-conscious college admissions programs?
  6. What amendment does this case focus on?

Focus Questions

How do you think colleges and universities will change after this ruling? How might they adapt admissions policies? News analysis : How do you think different news organizations are reporting this ruling based on political leanings? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

For More

What students can do : Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — do you feel this was the correct decision or do you disagree? What will be some long-term consequences of the decision?

STUDENT VIDEO OF THE DAY (February 27, 2019)


Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.

Recent Daily News Lessons

Judy Woodruff America at a Crossroads

Daily News Lesson

Behind the scenes of Judy Woodruff's America at a Crossroads

It's Media Literacy Week! "One of the great things about journalism is we can ask just about anybody a question, if they'll talk to us, and listen for the answer. That's a great privilege." — Judy Woodruff

israelvotes-e1793129862713

Daily News Lesson

Israel's election produces political gridlock

Learn about the election in Israel, and discuss the projected results from experts

russiadis

Daily News Lesson

Ukraine less reliant on U.S. as Trump-Zelenskyy rift deepens, former ambassador says

Discuss the relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine, and why it may be changing

SUPPORTED BY VIEWERS LIKE YOU. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY:

PBS News Hour Classroom

Copyright © 2025 News Hour Production LLC. All Rights Reserved

Illustrations by Annamaria Ward