The typical affirmative-action-mandated procedure for filling new tenure-track openings in humanities departments, together with the typical organization of service-course programs, puts women faculty members at a disadvantage. It often draws new faculty from outside the institution, generally passing over women already within the institution.…

In a test of affirmative-action policies, a white teacher, Sharon Taxman, filed reverse discrimination charges when her downsizing district terminated her and kept a black teacher of nearly identical qualifications. The case was settled out of court. If the U.S. Supreme Court had heard the case under either the Equal Protection or Title VII…

This article reports on the results of a national study of state higher education boards in the US to understand their role in efforts to increase student access and achievement in higher education. The data reveal that only a small minority of state higher education boards have articulated policy objectives and implemented initiatives that are…

Most literature on the American professorate provides a culture of evidence that suggests that the above account represents the typical experience endured by many African American faculty members and other faculty of color. African American faculty remain under-represented in predominantly White research universities. The number of African…

A sample of 3,484 incoming first-year students at a large, mid-Atlantic University were surveyed to assess a variety of attitudinal and behavioral variables pertinent to the college experience. The current study focused on how student value system orientation, or the degree to which values are open or closed, related to key aspects of college…

The General Accounting Office (GAO) conducted a study of employment practices at the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to determine if practices for employing and advancing disabled veterans comply with applicable legislation. The study found that TVA's plans describing its Disabled Vererans' Affirmative Action Program were meeting regulatory…

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…

This report presents the Austin Independent School District's (AISD) Affirmative Faculty/Staff Recruitment Plan 1983 evaluation findings. The plan has two long range goals: (1) to have male and female representation at all employment levels whenever possible; and (2) to attain ethnic percentages for all levels of the professional personnel…

Affirmative action policies which specifically mention race generate controversy because of a misunderstanding of their history and intent. These approaches to ending discrimination against minorities in the workplace evolved slowly after alternative methods failed. They have been upheld by Federal courts and should be adopted at state and local…

The authors describe the findings of a field study of affirmative action programs in companies in a variety of industries. The distinction between equal employment opportunity and affirmative action is addressed. Methods used to train managers in implementing affirmative action are examined. Also explores employee development, community…

For people concerned with the future of diversity in the United States, the month of June 2003 was a momentous watershed. Nearly four decades earlier, President Lyndon B. Johnson first advocated affirmative action as a means to "seek not just freedom, but opportunity." June 2003 also saw the 25th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's…

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…

Explores issues related to race and college admissions, focusing on the problem of how much weight university admissions officials should give to diversity. What constitutes special considerations, what might be outright preference, and how the goal of ethnic diversity can be balanced against other factors are discussed. (SLD)

Argues that in light of recent legal actions, colleges and universities would be wise to review their use of racial preferences in awarding financial aid. Federal and state legislation, court litigation, and federal regulations are reviewed, and arguments for and against minority scholarships are outlined. Ways in which institutions can justify…