Summarizes research concerning affirmative action's continued role in civil rights and presents broad themes relevant to discussions of affirmative action. It explores the central issue of federal policy on affirmative action in relation to fairness at the societal and individual levels. (GR)

Examines the need for affirmative action, investigates why it may be needed in terms of contemporary racial attitudes, and considers ways of reducing intergroup conflict and tension surrounding this issue. It argues how affirmative action is more effective than passive equal employment opportunity policies and discusses policy and research…

Examines affirmative action in higher education and the different legal challenges faced by this policy. Explores the need for diversity and discusses the many obstacles which still block equal opportunities in education. Offers some solutions to the problem of equality, such as tuition aid, Pell grants, and pre-collegiate outreach. (RJM)

Defends affirmative action and explains its historical principles in order to dispel myths surrounding the program. Discusses the pervasiveness of inequality in society and discusses ways that decision makers in higher education can respond to critics of affirmative action. Examines college admission needs and the current legal and political…

The history of the ideal of equality is traced from Plato to the present. The relevance for American society of equality of opportunity and of condition is explored, especially in terms of legal developments and educational policy. An intermediate judicial standard has evolved, straddling rational basis and strict scrutiny interpretations. (AF)

Draws from a literature review and surveys of state commissioners of higher education and community college presidents to profile minority student enrollments at community colleges by ethnicity and college size. Assesses the prevalence of programs to increase minority student participation. Notes changes in numbers of minority faculty and…

On November 5, 1996, California voters approved Proposition 209, which prohibits discrimination against or the granting of preferential treatment to anyone on the basis of race, sex, color, or ethnicity in the operation of public employment, education, or contracting. Regarding the prohibition of discrimination, 209 creates no new restrictions…

This monograph explores some of the explanations commonly proffered to justify the existing pattern of academic women's employment in Australian universities. The research, data, and explanations in this monograph address the university area of the higher education sector only. It examines the adequacy of some of the explanations given for women's…

This project is a detailed history of two pieces of legislation that sought to eliminate sex discrimination in vocational education: the Vocational Education Amendments of 1976 and the Carl D. Perkins Act of 1984. The report explains why they happened and the results as seen by those most involved. It looks at the key individuals and groups that…

Blacks, Hispanics, and women are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed than white males, regardless of economic conditions. This conclusion was drawn from an analysis of data gathered from the March Current Population Survey for the years 1971 through 1980, the Dictionary of Occupational Titles, and state and local unemployment rates…

In a "Stanford Law Review" article, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) law professor Richard Sander claimed to statistically prove that affirmative action at American law schools actually depressed the number of African Americans who become lawyers by "mismatching" them at schools where they were in over their heads academically. This…

Data are presented on the ethnic and regional origins of university students in Sri Lanka, 1942-1974, in relation to general population distribution and/or university course of study. Two attempts to equalize university admission are analyzed: weighting school quality to standardize secondary marks and establishing a district quota scheme. (SJL).

The role of affirmative action programs, the problem of quotas, the relevance of admission criteria to minority group applicants, and public opinion concerning affirmative action are discussed in relation to the Bakke case. (Author/MC)

Examines the impact of affirmative action as to whether the consequences of discrimination have been eliminated and whether measures are in place to prevent discrimination from occurring in the future. Argues that affirmative action has been partially successful, but its ultimate goal has not been reached. Some concerns and limitations in…

Presents historical overview of Black women's battle against the dual forces of sexism and racism. Reviews the history of affirmative action. Provides summaries of articles contained in this special issue. The articles concentrate on community, economic/social, and education issues in relation to Black women and affirmative action. (JS)