Last June's U.S. Supreme Court ruling against racial preferences in college admissions has given new life to similar legal efforts that aim to undermine diversity programs and those that award contracts to firms run by minorities, women and disabled people.

While the court’s decision in favor of Students for Fair Admissions Inc., which sued Harvard College and the University of North Carolina, was based on admissions programs at colleges and universities, the language made it clear that the principles discussed go beyond higher education and could have a substantial impact on public works construction.