Colleges must make radical changes in their structure, values, hiring practices, and the way they treat students if they want to attract more minority students and professors. Faculty members are given little incentive to work with minority students. (MLW)

This legal document asserts that the judgement of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Grutter v. Bollinger (No. 02-241) and the order of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in Gratz v. Bollinger (No. 02-516) should be affirmed. This brief, filed by five highly selective private universities…

This staff report updates the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights' previous assessment of percentage plans in California, Florida, and Texas and examines the pattern of racial/ethnic diversity among first-time students and graduate, law, and medical students. Staff of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights analyzed college application, admission, and…

A model for examining tradeoffs between rate of minority hiring and quality of selectees is presented. In a representative case, substantial changes in the rate of minority hiring have only small effects on the quality of the work force. (Author)

Provides a historical, philosophical, and theoretical analysis of affirmative action in higher education. Also evaluates the success of affirmative action and considers alternatives. Although affirmative action has not created great improvements, it has been consistent with assumptions about the meaning of academic community. (SLD)

Presents the views of four white graduate students at the University of California, Berkeley who do not support the recent elimination of affirmative action policies for job applicants and student admissions. Their opinions argue that white men should support equity in education and society. (SLD)

Examines the impact of homogeneity and diversity in communities and in higher education. Provides an overview of affirmative action, the challenges associated with instilling difference, and some of the strategies needed to impose change. Argues that higher education must reflect the realities of society. (RJM)

Argues that although certain assumptions underlie those who have received affirmative action, these programs have produced many important successes. Examines the ironic polarizing effect of affirmative action and discusses how affirmative action should not be confused with diversity. Highlights the importance of diversity and its role in higher…

This multi-layered counterstory contextualizes the Michigan Law School and undergraduate affirmative action cases currently in the higher courts. Set within student intervenor arguments in the Michigan case, it evokes the spirit of Thurgood Marshall to replay history and arguments in the complex legal battles over affirmative action in higher…

Presents the story of how General Colin Powell was persuaded to make a strong statement in support of affirmative action in higher education rather than supporting the Republican Party's nationwide legislative ban on affirmative action, patterned after Proposition 209 in California. (SM)

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…

This article examines current issues regarding affirmative action in today's institutions of higher learning. It addresses the two recent cases decided before the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the University of Michigan's policy. Two other recent and related issues, the "Hopwood" case and California's Proposition 209 approach, are also…

In 1984-85, a cooperative project was undertaken in New York to address the issue of minority access to those professions that can be entered through two-year college programs (e.g., animal health technology, certified shorthand reporting, dental hygienist, land surveying, and physical therapist assistant). Project activities were guided by a…

The kinds of affirmative action programs that are likely to be successful within postsecondary education are identified. Affirmative action is designed to increase minority access, survival, and upward mobility within the institution. The following arguments are proposed: (1) ethical and legal strategies are insufficient to accomplish the aim of…

This publication is designed to clarify and amplify the 1975 booklet of the same title prepared by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (DHEW). The requirements for providing education to non-English speakers are first placed in their historical context. Suggestions for the basic elements to include in an affirmative action plan for…