The primary problem that Richard J. Herrnstein and Charles Murray address in their book, "The Bell Curve," is that an unrecognized societal migration has been emerging in American society since 1950. People with high IQs are rewarded socially and economically, while the rest of the population has remained stagnant. This paper describes…

Focusing on the challenge of expanding administrative opportunities for minorities, the 10 essays in this volume explore the problem of underrepresentation of minority administrators at community colleges and suggest strategies for improving diversity. The following articles are provided: (1) "Paradox and Promise: Leadership and the Neglected…

Proposition 209 is a statewide constitutional amendment initiative in California, which, if passed in November 1996, will eliminate all statewide affirmative action programs. It is argued that, contrary to its title, this amendment is an extreme and unnecessary measure that will actually undermine further advances in civil rights. There are…

Noting that both boys and girls suffer because of gender bias in society and in the classroom, this paper examines the roots and consequences of such bias. The paper first provides a historical overview of gender bias and its relation to the prevalent world view. Next, it examines the manifestations of gender bias in the classroom and their…

This publication contains a speech on the continuing struggle for equity in education for African Americans presented to the Southern Education Foundation (SEF) by Jean Fairfax when she received the John A. Griffin Award for Advancing Equity in Education. In the speech, Fairfax addressed disagreements within the black community over educational…

This issue of Forum, a journal designed to permit California community college faculty to share ideas, contains six articles focusing on issues related to the enactment of Assembly Bill 1725 (AB 1725). The first article, "Your Father's Oldsmobile: The Uses of Tradition in Core Programs," by John McFarland, analyzes the development of…

These two congressional hearings are part of a series held by the Subcommittee in conjunction with its oversight of the Federal Government's enforcement of equal employment opportunity laws and affirmative action. The first hearing addresses what are perceived to be destructive rather than constructive policy initiatives and program changes in the…

The turn of the century will signal a profound change in the composition and character of the leadership of community colleges. Future leaders will have in common with their peers in the private sector a global perspective and a mastery of technology seldom seen in today's leaders. More of them will be women, minorities, and immigrants. Beyond…

This volume contains the texts of 40 statements, 22 exhibits, and 5 unsolicited papers presented at a consultation dealing with the public policy implications of various civil rights issues affecting handicapped Americans. Among those issues addressed in the statements are the following: the nature and scope of civil rights issues affecting the…

This document examines a major civil rights decision handed down by the Supreme Court in Firefighters Local Union No. 1784 v. Stotts (1984). The decision is examined for its importance in determining the extent to which seniority systems may or must be overridden as part of court-ordered relief to remedy discrimination in employment, and also for…

The uses and limitations of tests and college admissions policies and procedures are considered, and some testing/admissions guidelines for selective graduate and professional schools in the post-Bakke era are suggested. Among the uses of tests are the following: diagnosing academic deficiencies and weaknesses; determining the level of mastery;…

With the recent increase in the number of students wishing to enter vocational programs and the increased pressure on accountability and efficiency, vocational educators need to reexamine their policies regarding the selection and admission of students. Several considerations that complicate these decisions are (1) open-door policies that exist in…

Black progress is tied to the overriding national concern for economic development and the challenge of international competition. The experience of black colleges shows that unequally prepared students can be educated to high levels of performance. Some public policy initiatives are suggested. (MLW)

Reviews legislation and court decisions affecting higher education with respect to labor relations, promotion of minorities, retrenchment, sexual harassment, liability insurance, the impact of AIDS on personnel policies, affirmative action, and equal employment opportunity. (DMM)

Reviews the status of minority students in California's educational system, pointing to high dropout rates, community college enrollment trends, and social factors. Highlights the correlation between educational performance and expectations, urging a well-orchestrated effort focusing on guidance, retention, and standards of excellence across all…