United States:
- The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Bakke v. Regents of the University of California that racial quotas in college admissions were unconstitutional, while affirmative action programs that considered race as one of several factors were permissible.
Brazil:
- The Brazilian Navy's flagship, the aircraft carrier Minas Gerais, was decommissioned after 35 years of service.
United Kingdom:
- The British Airways Flight 183, a Hawker Siddeley Trident 3B, crashed while landing at London Heathrow Airport, killing 8 crew members and 140 out of 154 passengers on board. The accident was caused by a failure of the aircraft's engine thrust reversers.
France:
- Jacques Chirac, the Mayor of Paris, launched his presidential campaign for the 1981 French presidential election.
Lebanon:
- The Israeli military launched Operation Litani, a military operation in southern Lebanon against Palestinian militant groups. The operation lasted until July 23, 1978.
Somalia:
- The Supreme Revolutionary Council of Somalia executed 20 high-ranking military officers and civilians for allegedly planning a coup against President Siad Barre.
Indonesia:
- Mount Merapi, an active volcano in Central Java, erupted, causing widespread damage and displacement of residents in the surrounding areas.
China:
- The National People's Congress of China concluded its Fifth National People's Congress in Beijing, approving the country's new constitution and electing a new leadership.
Soviet Union:
- The Soviet Soyuz 29 manned spacecraft, carrying cosmonauts Vladimir Kovalyonok and Alexander Ivanchenkov, was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The spacecraft docked with the Salyut 6 space station on June 17, 1978.