Affirmative action in education is once again in the media and cultural spotlight. The Trump administration, along with a decidedly rightward shift on the Supreme Court, signal a bleak outlook for affirmative action policies in higher education. However, as educators, we can also use this historical moment to have robust and critical conversations…

This book explores the battle to desegregate public school teachers in the South. It also considers the implications of linking racially balanced school faculties to equal educational opportunities for African American students. This book demonstrates that the legal struggle to desegregate teachers and other school personnel is critical to…

Argues that preferential treatment of women and minorities in the selection of college faculty elevates a form of corruption to standard administrative practice by including people in academic life on the basis of characteristics irrelevant to teaching and research; and previous unjust treatment is inadequate justification for preferential…

Presents a group exercise to help critical thinking about key sociological concepts. Explains that students take the role of U.S. Supreme Court justices and formulate decisions on affirmative action cases after being divided into small groups. Includes summaries of five important cases on affirmative action. (DK)

Young students not impressed in mind and heart by their school's curricula are likely to be influenced by the media with which they amuse themselves. Video arcade games and television suffused with militarism and violence will help them create their own culture and develop their own values. They may begin to believe nothing can be done to ensure…

In 1964, Congress passed Public Law 82-352. This civil rights act forbade hiring, promoting, and firing discrimination based on sex or race. Title VII of the act created the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to implement the law. Subsequent legislation expanded the role of the EEOC. Today, the EEOC enforces laws that prohibit…

A 2-year curriculum transformation project for 12 humanities teachers from seven independent schools sought to help pre-college teachers integrate new information and insights based on women's studies and gender scholarship into their teaching. Topics covered during the workshops included the history of concern with women and gender; engenderment…

Women's participation in school administration is low and actually declining, despite legislation, affirmative action, and special programs. This article views the research guiding educational policy as useful, but concerned with ancillary issues. After a literature review of sex discrimination, administrator gender differences, role conflicts,…

The report of the American Association of University Professors' ad hoc Commission on Governance and Affirmative Action concerning the University of California's decision to end affirmative action in admissions, hiring, and awarding of contracts is presented. It outlines the events leading to the policy action, considers the educational impacts,…

This collection of essays deals with the multiple origins of Americans from a variety of points of view. It is designed to involve students in the discussion and debate over the nature and meaning of America's social diversity. Following an introduction by the editor, the essays are presented in five categories, each of which is preceded by an…

Women's representation in educational administration positions is inconsistent with the extent of their employment in education (and in management positions elsewhere.) Recent research by F. I. Ortiz reveals two distinct types of career patterns for female educational administrators: the specialist, supervisor, and elementary principalship path…

Two kinds of affirmative action in the recruitment and selection of college faculty are distinguished and discussed: procedural (ensuring judgment of applicants without consideration of race, religion, or national origin) and preferential (characterized by attention to the same criteria that procedural affirmative action eschews). Argues that…

Affirmative action in college faculty recruitment and selection is discussed, distinguishing between procedural and preferential affirmative action. Negative effects of preferential affirmative action on students, faculty, and the institution are examined. Other issues explored include democratic values, bias in the search process, and the…

Argues that if higher education is to get rid of affirmative action, it should first discontinue special admission of less qualified candidates who are admitted because they are athletes, alumni children, or the children of friends of administrators. Reports on a survey of 52 black college students concerning effects of affirmative action. (MSE)

A supporter of affirmative action in California sees attackers as mean-spirited and practicing wedge politics. He stresses its legality and opposes a proposed California Civil Rights initiative. An opponent criticizes affirmative action, noting practical difficulties in application and its opposition to American values of fairness. He defends the…