On November 7, Vice President Al Gore wins the majority of the popular vote but Texas Governor George W. Bush wins the Electoral College to become the forty-third President of the U.S.
On June 28, the U.S. Supreme Court in Parents Involved in Community School v. Seattle School District, No. 1, declares that establishing racial balance in schools is not a compelling state interest. This landmark decision restricts racial diversity programs.
On August 29, Hurricane Katrina lands on the Gulf Coast initiating a series of events which destroy much of New Orleans and result in the death of 1,836 people.
