In response to criticism of affirmative action in higher education, it is argued that affirmative action has brought demonstrable improvements in U.S. society. The debate, and the related research and literature, are reviewed from both perspectives, and it is concluded that the time has come to end white male privilege. (MSE)

Affirmative action as a form of regulatory policy may produce a productive cultural mosaic but cannot in itself achieve healthy diversity. A college wishing to diminish discrimination, create a safe and secure work and educational environment, and provide support for family life must institutionalize diversity programs to succeed. (MSE)

In this essay recounting a midcareer faculty review, Vilma Hernandez is the fictitious name of a faculty member originally hired for affirmative action reasons who fails because of her inability to solicit support and the university's failure to offer it. Concludes that the university allowed her to fail. (JMF)

Affirmative action has become symbolic of the public policy debate about equity, race, ethnicity, and gender. Proponents of affirmative action need to address the issues of (1) demonstrable qualification for employment; (2) entitlement to fulfilled expectations; (3) interference of affirmative action with legitimate right to educational/employment…

In an excerpt from his autobiography, a Mexican-American expresses his strong feelings about the unfortunate realities behind affirmative action and bilingual education, based on his own experiences and observation of others'. (MSE)

An alternative analysis of minority enrollments in U.S. colleges and universities suggests that little progress has been made in minority access to higher education. The current informal backlash against affirmative action and de facto college segregation inhibit racial fairness. Segregation and restricted access should be redefined as being due…

Conflicts erupting on increasingly multicultural campuses indicate we can have diversity without building a multiracial democracy. A multiracial community requires citizens who understand that their views of reality may not match the reality of others and who possess cultural competence. Dismantling affirmative action and equal opportunity…

After Hopwood versus Texas, a court case in which race-conscious university admission was held unconstitutional, colleges failing to reexamine and mend policies may be inviting trouble. Institutions have a responsibility to sustain conversation within and beyond campus communities about affirmative action, looking at the deep differences in values…

The concept underlying affirmative action emerged in 1941, but resistance to it persists. Equity management is a form of leadership committed to diversity as a strength, not a weakness. Federal policy has led in this approach, and historically black colleges provide models. Higher education must now forge effective policies and practices. (MSE)

Progress in employment of women faculty and administrators in higher education is examined. Four recommendations are made: simplification of recordkeeping to allow more funds for recruitment; mentorship for new faculty; high level (governance) commitment to affirmative action for women; and administrator commitment to affirmative action during…

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)

Desegregation efforts and litigation, including the Bakke case, are discussed in terms of their conflicting effects on the existence of predominately Black colleges. It is suggested that federal actions and legal decisions may in fact threaten the survival of Black institutions. (JMF)