You Vote: Should colleges use race-based preferences in their admissions process?

The Supreme Court announced this week it will examine whether universities may consider the race of applicants when determining which students to admit. The outcome of the case, which likely won't be considered until at least the fall, could determine the future of affirmative action in higher education nationwide.

On Monday, the nation's highest court agreed to hear challenges to race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. Lower courts sided with the schools, arguing their policies didn't discriminate and complied with Supreme Court precedents.

In Grutter v. Bollinger (2003), the Supreme Court found in a 5-4 decision that race could be a "plus" factor to help colleges seek "the educational benefits that flow from a diverse student body." However, there was an end date: "We expect that 25 years from now, the use of racial preferences will no longer be necessary to further the interest approved today."

Critics argue racial preferences are discriminatory, unlawful, and ultimately counterproductive. Others say such preferences foster diversity and help make up for past discrimination against minorities.

Here's your chance to weigh in: