In the 1949 case of McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, George W. McLaurin, an African American student with a master's degree, was initially denied admission to the University of Oklahoma's doctoral program solely due to his race. After legal action on his part, he was admitted but segregated from white students in every aspect - seating arrangements in classrooms and library as well as cafeteria facilities were separate for him. The U.S Supreme Court ruled unanimously that such treatment violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because it impeded McLaurin’s ability to learn effectively thus denying him equal education opportunities offered by state-run institutions. This decision marked another step towards ending racial segregation in American public schools and universities.

The McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education case did not have a dissenting opinion. The Supreme Court's decision was unanimous, ruling in favor of George W. McLaurin, an African American student who had been admitted to the University of Oklahoma’s Graduate School of Education but was segregated from white students due to state law at that time. The court held that such treatment violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment as it impaired and inhibited his ability to study, engage in discussions, exchange views with other students and learn his profession effectively.