State-sanctioned racism.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — A divided federal appeals court on Friday struck down Michigan’s controversial ban on consideration of race and gender in college admissions.

The 2-1 panel at the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals concluded the voter-approved ban on “preferential treatment” at state colleges and universities was unconstitutional, and “alters Michigan’s political structure by impermissibly burdening racial minorities.”

The affirmative action ban was passed five years ago in a referendum and was added to the state’s constitution, barring publicly funded centers of higher education from granting “preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.” That prompted a series of lawsuits and appeals from various groups.

“The university is reviewing the possible implications of the court’s decision, and recognizes that there may be further legal steps as well,” Kelly Cunningham, a spokeswoman for the University of Michigan, said Friday. She would not speculate how or when the school would need to alter its policies in response to the court’s ruling.