Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1 — Kennedy, J., concurring

Summary

Justice Kennedy concurred in part and in the judgment, agreeing the individual racial classifications for student assignment are unconstitutional under strict scrutiny. He found the plans were not narrowly tailored (Jefferson County's ambiguity; Seattle's white/non-white crude categories). Kennedy viewed diversity as a compelling goal but stressed race-neutral alternatives are required unless individual classifications are a last resort. Justice Breyer, Justice Stevens, and Justice Thomas each filed separate opinions challenging or supporting the majority's reasoning.