Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 37, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) et al. submit this brief as "amici curiae" in support of Respondents. "Amici curiae" comprise several of the nation's leading research associations: the American Educational Research Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Sociological Association, the American Statistical Association, the Association for the Study of Higher Education, the Law and Society Association, the Linguistic Society of America, and the National Academy of Engineering. "Amici curiae" have a longstanding interest in the accurate presentation of research relevant to the important questions of law raised by this case. "Amici curiae" are also particularly concerned about the possible misapplication of research findings in this case and with the possibility that the Court might be influenced by the presentation of flawed research and unreliable findings, including potentially misleading analyses offered by Petitioner and her "amici curiae." It is a well-accepted principle in science that the integrity of research relies not only on the validity and reliability of research but also on intellectual honesty in proposing, performing, and reporting research, and it is critical for the Court to have access to information that represents the best knowledge available at the time. Accordingly, this brief provides summaries and citations to pertinent studies to assist the Court's understanding of the research evidence. Its focus is largely on the compelling interest prong of strict scrutiny. This brief should be read in conjunction with other "amicus curiae" briefs that summarize research findings addressing narrow tailoring and that support the constitutionality of the University of Texas at Austin's admissions policy. (Contains 6 footnotes.)