A significant force in the selection of college faculty has been personal contact or the Old Boy Network. Its operation in academic institutions and its influence in placement and academic publishing is examined. Also discussed are alternatives to the system that could replace its diminishing influence and improve higher education. (JMD)

The experiences of an affirmative-action officer are described, including: efforts to manipulate faculty behavior, David v Goliath dimensions to job, faculty who have both created the problem and the awareness of it, academicians advancing theories of racial superiority, I.Q. tests, etc. (MLW)

Determines the impact of affirmative action programs in response to charges that they are policies of reverse discrimination. Reviewing affirmative action programs submitted by Michigan State departments, researchers determined no reverse discrimination was apparent based on low numbers of reverse discrimination complaints filed by whites. (GR)

Author Beverly Daniel Tatum explains that adolescents tend to self-segregate because their racially different friends are not having (or sharing) same experiences. Many white students are oblivious to racism's power and manifestations in society. During lunch or recess, students should be able to relax with friends. However, educators should…

Analyzes the status of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) in higher education compared to their representation in chief executive positions, describing a glass ceiling effect and common stereotypes regarding APAs. Reviews characteristics of chief executive officers in California community colleges. Provides strategies for increasing APA representation…

Presents a conceptual framework considered necessary for social scientists and policymakers in designing and implementing fair and effective affirmative action programs. It defines and contrasts affirmative action with equal opportunity and argues why affirmative action is necessary if organizations are to be fair. Supportive empirical literature…

Provides an historical overview of affirmative action in higher education, with a special emphasis on gender issues. Examines past successes, along with some of the obstacles still faced by women. Discusses the character of the debate on affirmative action in higher education and the need for campus diversity. (RJM)

Reviews current Equal Employment Opportunity Laws and their effect on college placement and recruitment. Legal theories of discrimination are discussed, along with their effects on recruiting, the role and responsibilities of the placement office, and affirmative action. (TE)

Public employers' affirmative-action programs may be challenged for "reverse discrimination" under either Title VII or the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. (26 footnotes) (MLF)

Examines activities of academic librarians and library educators regarding issues of affirmative action recruiting to increase diversity within the profession. Highlights include a description of multicultural organizations; the significance of leadership; efforts of the Association of Research Libraries; examples of diversity programs at academic…

The sociological and political consequences of affirmative action on the white male are significant. Race unconsciousness toward the white male has hampered the development of truly race-conscious programs. The victimization of white males has been largely unacknowledged but is accountable for backlash attitudes among many voters. (SLD)

Eastern Michigan University's provost presents a perspective on how the institution successfully increased its number of minority faculty members. The article describes ways to retain minority faculty members once they are hired, noting the importance of total public support of opinion leaders and policymakers. (SM)

The article addresses ways to achieve parity for women in academe including increasing the number of women achieving doctorates, encouraging the participation by women in disciplines in which they are underrepresented, recognizing effects of supply and demand on faculty recruitment, developing specific programs to encourage talented female…

Social pathologies at the root of many racial disparities in achievement are serious and widespread, but at least frank debate on racial issues is emerging. Contemporary racial issues, including white backlash, are explored; and it is suggested that the eventual emergence of a multiracial consensus for cooperation is possible. (SLD)

A study examined the college and later-life experiences of over 35,000 students, almost 3000 of whom were black, entering 28 selective colleges in 1976 and 1989. Results suggest that if universities were flatly prohibited from considering race in admissions, over half the black students in selective colleges today would have been rejected.…