Supreme Court applies strict scrutiny to federal affirmative action in Adarand

The Supreme Court rules in Adarand Constructors v. Peña on June 12, 1995, that federal racial classifications must be reviewed under strict scrutiny. The case involves a federal contracting program that gave incentives for hiring disadvantaged businesses. The Court says all racial classifications by government, whether intended to burden or benefit racial minorities, must meet the same demanding constitutional standard. The ruling narrows the room for federal affirmative action programs. The decision extends strict scrutiny to federal race-conscious programs and reshapes civil rights remedies in contracting and procurement.