Preface
On June 27, the Supreme Court began their last week before breaking for the summer. Some of the most controversial issues are being ruled on, including student loans and gay rights. The high court will release more decisions the first week of July.
A Closer Look
Affirmative Action: The continued existence of affirmative action groups is in question. The current administration has noted that removing race conscious admissions could undermine Black and Latino students from Ivy League schools. Two closely watched cases involve Harvard and the University of North Carolina.
Student Loans: The Court heard arguments in the case back in February for Biden’s plan to remove or reduce student loans. The proposed plan would erase 10k in federal student loans for some households and would completely cancel those who received federal Pell Grants. Regardless of what the Court decides loan payments that have been delayed for three years will resume this summer.
Gay Rights: This revolves around a Christian graphic artist who wants to designing wedding websites only for heterosexual couples. The case comes out of Colorado and state law requires businesses that are public provide services to all customers. The designer states that ruling against her would force artists to go against their beliefs. Opponents states that if she wins it could discriminate against race, religion, interracial or interfaith couples and immigrants.
Religious Rights: A Christian mail carrier refused to work on Sundays to deliver Amazon packages. The question to the Court, do employers have to make concessions for religious rights of employees? Both liberal and conservative justice agreed that a government agency such as the Post Office reject requests of religious practices.
Voting: The justices voted 6-3 to uphold a decision from North Carolina that rejected a congressional redistricting plan as excessive partisanship. The court ruled that state courts retain the authority to apply state constitutional restraints when legislatures act under the power conferred by judicial review. The court did suggest there could be limits on state court efforts regarding congressional and presidential elections.
Summary
As is characteristic of the high court, the last opinions to be released are from the most arguable issues. More than likely we will continue to see constant legal action around these issues until the high court can make clear sense between state and federal limitations.
Author’s Note
This article is based on corporate postings and accredited media reports. Linked information within this article is attributed to the following outlets: Associated Press (AP)
