Joins the college access debate with an original proposal for fairness in college admissions. Tests an alternative method of college admissions, the "merit-aware model" proposed by William Goggin. First reconsiders the issue of racial preferences, then describes the merit-aware approach. Concludes with a few lessons that can inform admission…

Asserts that conservatives in the U.S Supreme Court failed to see that affirmative action in higher education is an important and constitutionally protected institutional liberty, suggesting that Grutter v. Bollinger was correctly decided, and Gratz v. Bollinger was a mistake (but not a disaster). Suggests that such difficult issues should not be…

In this interview, Gray shares his reflections and hopes for the future of diversity in higher education. He contends that higher education has much more important issues to debate than the false issue of affirmative action and racial exclusion. He emphasizes that what ought to be talked about is how to increase access for everybody, especially…

The 21st century has brought new challenges and opportunities for higher education. In the wake of the transition from elitist to mass education, universities worldwide are under pressure to enhance access and equity, on the one hand, and to maintain high standards of quality and excellence, on the other. Today the notion of equity not only…

In the context of an analysis of the Davis case, an expansion of the law regulating rights of the handicapped to higher education is encouraged. Constitutional arguments are applied. The burden of providing reasonable access is placed on institutions. Equal protection and due process arguments may be used as theories of relief. (MSE)

More than any other Supreme Court Justice, William Brennan worked to level the playing field for black Americans. As the recognized architect of affirmative action strategies for higher education, he left an indelible imprint on equal education in America. (SLD)

Discusses current higher education of black students, noting that racial discrimination is still present, with opportunity and access to higher education determined primarily by wealth. Notes reverses in previous advances in racial change within education, examining the polarized environment of class and race, and describing how liberal education…

Examines gains in enrollment of women and minorities in higher education, arguing that although access has dramatically improved for women, particularly nontraditional students, this is not true for minorities, especially African Americans. Nontraditional African American women are showing higher rates of participation than their male…

At the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) 1978 Annual Convention, speeches and discussions were dominated by the effect of the Bakke decision on future college admissions and affirmative action programs. (Author/MC)

This article examines two questions regarding the Bakke decision. First, does the decision really say "yes" to race and "no" to quotas? Second, what criteria, in addition to race, may be used in an admissions program that will advance the cause of minority participation in higher education? (Author/MC)

The CRitical Issue Bibliography (CRIB) Sheet describes resources related to affirmative action. The bibliography is divided into four sections designed to help provide a foundation for those implementing an affirmative action program or conducting research on this topic. Overview describes resources that describe the history of affirmative action,…

In 1999, Florida implemented the One Florida Initiative, a plan to end race-conscious decision making in employment, contracting, and higher education. The proposal for higher education was to replace race-conscious admissions with the Talented 20 Program, a policy that in theory would increase access for underrepresented students without…

To get better minority representation in administration, several problems must be solved, starting with better access down below. Lingering racist attitudes must be overcome, and more effective training and orientation provided. The historically Black institutions have a key role to play. (Author/MLW)

Describes how state budget cuts may pose a greater threat to minority access to higher education than would a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in the Michigan cases. (EV)

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)