Final answer:
The story of Cheryl Hopwood became controversial due to the legal issues surrounding her admission to the University of Texas School of Law. The case challenged affirmative action policies and led to a landmark Supreme Court decision.
Step-by-step explanation:
The story of Cheryl Hopwood became controversial due to the legal issues surrounding her admission to the University of Texas School of Law. Hopwood, a white applicant, filed a lawsuit against the university, claiming that she was denied admission based on her race. The case gained attention because it challenged affirmative action policies in college admissions, drawing debates about race, equality, and meritocracy. The controversy surrounding Hopwood's case led to a landmark Supreme Court decision that affected affirmative action policies in higher education.