Excerpt: "WASHINGTON (AP) -- In two split decisions, the Supreme Court on Monday ruled that minority applicants may be given an edge when applying for admissions to universities, but limited how much a factor race can play in the selection of students. The high court struck down a point system used by the University of Michigan, but did not go as far as opponents of affirmative action had wanted. The court approved a separate program used at the University of Michigan law school that gives race less prominence in the admissions decision-making process." http://customwire.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/SCOTUS_AFFIRMATIVE_ACTION?SITE=DCTMS&SECTION=HOME
The majority said that the policy was narrowly tailored to further a compelling interest in "obtaining educational benefits that flow from a diverse student body." Does the finding of a “compelling state interest” mean a state, through legislation, could force affirmative action on private institutions? Maybe. The finding could also mean that accrediting bodies might be able to take similar action in adopting accreditation standards.