‘You Had to Prove Yourself Every Day’

Thomas Arrived at Yale Law School as One of 12 Black Students. One of His Black Classmates Told Thomas Biographers That She Recalled a Member of the Law School Admissions Committee Saying There Were No Black Students Qualified to Be There.

Thomas’ Affirmative Action Opinions on the Supreme Court

The First Affirmative Action Cases to Reach the Supreme Court Once Thomas Joined the Bench Were in 2003 in Separate Cases Involving Two White Students Who Sued After Being Denied Admission to the University of Michigan — One to Its Undergraduate Program and One to Its Law School.

Clarence Thomas’ Long Battle Against Affirmative Action

By Chloe Bennett

• Oct 9, 2026 • 8 min read

Clarence Thomas’ Long Battle Against Affirmative Action

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Chloe Bennett

Culture, Media & Entertainment Columnist

Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.

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