Medical education
Issue
The principal issue in this case is whether the University of Texas can consider the race of applicants as an explicit factor in determining qualifications for admission.
AMA interest
The AMA believes that diversity, including racial diversity, is a vital component of a successful medical education.
Case summary
Abigail Fisher, who is white, applied to but was rejected from the University of Texas undergraduate college. She then sued the university, asserting that the school prefers African-American students over whites and that she would have been accepted if the racial preferences had not been in place.
Her suit has now been appealed to the Supreme Court. Oral argument was heard on October 10, 2012.
AMA involvement
The AMA, along with the American Association of Medical Colleges and numerous other organizations, filed an amicus brief in support of the University of Texas.
156 Cal. App. 4th 809 (Cal. App. 2007)
Outcome: Very favorable
Issue
The issue in this case was whether the University of California (UC) breached a contract with its students by raising fees after it explicitly promised students otherwise.
AMA interest
The AMA supports financial accessibility of medical education to qualified candidates.
Case summary
This class action, filed by and on behalf of UC professional (including medical) students, alleged that UC breached a contractual obligation, under which it promised that professional students’ tuition fees would not be increased during their enrollment. The trial court entered judgment in favor of the students, and the University appealed. The California Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment and ordered that UC pay the costs of appeal. The California Supreme Court denied UC's petition for review.
Litigation Center involvement
The Litigation Center filed an amicus brief in support of the students in the Court of Appeal. The brief emphasized the crushing financial burdens entailed by a medical education and the disincentives aspiring medical students face if they are required to assume not only the tuition and other expenses determined as of the time they entered school but also subsequent increases.
