Green Light for Reverse Bias Case

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Supreme Court ruled that a white businessman claiming to be a victim of reverse bias can proceed with a lawsuit against Pacific Bell. Ruling without comment, the Court said that J. Jack Bras, an architect, can challenge a 1986 California state law which encourages utility companies to contract with businesses owned by minorities and women. Bras, who worked as an architectural contractor for Pacific Bell from 1969 to 1991, lost his contract with the firm shortly after Pacific Bell queried him about his minority status. TIME's Adam Cohen reports: "The Court did not rule on the merits of the case, but simply allowed him to proceed with it. It seems clear, though, that the court is now more receptive to claims by whites who are claiming reverse discrimination."