Next term the Supreme Court will hear two cases challenging race-conscious admissions programmes. The court’s conservative supermajority is likely to rule for the plaintiffs. What difference would a ban on affirmative action make to higher education in America?

The Economist’s Tamara Gilkes Borr explains how she switched from opposing to supporting affirmative action. We tell the story of the man who coined the term. And The Economist’s Steve Mazie takes us through the Supreme Court cases, and considers if the process for replacing Justice Stephen Breyer is a form of affirmative action.

John Prideaux presents with Charlotte Howard and Idrees Kahloon.

For full access to print, digital and audio editions as well as exclusive live events, subscribe to The Economist at economist.com/uspod

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.