In place of racial preference, the top 20% of each high-school graduating class in Florida will automatically be admitted to a state university.

ECONOMIST: Affirmative action in Florida

After university she became one of the first women in America to be admitted to a medical school, but was excluded from further study after she married.

ECONOMIST: Ruth Dyk

Mr Powers has urged lawmakers to amend the law by capping the number of students who can be admitted under the rule at half of a state university's class.

ECONOMIST: Affirmative action