This chapter is adapted from the address that inaugurated the American Educational Research Association annual lecture series commemorating the anniversary of the 1954 Supreme Court decision in the case "Brown v. Board of Education." The authors begin this chapter by paying tribute to Kenneth Bancroft Clark, who led the distinguished group of…

Responding to Brighouse's comments, we discuss ways that institutions of higher education themselves can increase access for low-income students. We argue for the important role of community colleges and for bridge programs that colleges can establish with middle and high schools to ensure that students take the subjects necessary to prepare them…

Changes in affirmative action policies in some states create possibilities for "natural experiments" to observe the effect of public policy on racial and ethnic inequality in American society. This study measured the impact of Initiative 200, a ballot measure that eliminated affirmative action in Washington State, on the transition from…

America has two conflicting visions of equality. The first evolved during the American Revolution through the 1960s, which is identified with the phrase "equality of opportunity." The second vision, advanced since the 1960s, embraces the concept of affirmative action to redress social injustices. In an attempt to reach accord on these conflicting…

An explanation of the impending shortage of minority teachers and suggestions for increasing the supply of minority teachers compose the crux of this document. The following specific actions may be taken by local school districts, colleges of teacher education, teacher certification boards, and teacher recruitment and selection offices to ensure…

A hearing before the House Committee on Education and Labor was held regarding the American Council on Education's 1988 report, "One-Third of a Nation: A Report of the Commission on Minority Participation in Education and American Life." The report was made part of the official record of the committee and is reproduced in the committee's…

The case for programs of preferential treatment can plausibly rest both on the view that such programs are not unfair to white males and on the view that it is unfair to continue the present set of unjust--often racist and sexist--institutions that comprise the social reality. Such programs may be effective means by which to achieve equality and…

This brief urges the Supreme Court to reverse the judgment of the California Supreme Court. (IRT)

This brief urges the Supreme Court to affirm the California Supreme Court decision. (IRT)

The federal government's move away from affirmative action combined with a growing national indifference to civil rights has resulted in major setbacks in the education of American Indians. Tribalism can be part of a solution with programs that reinforce a student's connection to parents, community, and tribe. (MLW)

This report, illustrates the rich variety of race-neutral alternatives now available. The Department of Education hopes to make clear that postsecondary student body diversity is in many respects a secondary school--and even a primary school--challenge and that the most vigorous approaches to postsecondary diversity begin with a commitment to…

This book examines unsolved issues of race and education, emphasizing four major race-conscious education policies: bilingual education, multicultural curricula, affirmative action, and remedial education. It suggests that such policies are critical to fostering self-determination and personal autonomy in students who would otherwise receive a…

Although there is a great deal of disagreement about how to handle the changes that confront postsecondary education, few will suggest that being wedded to the status quo is sufficient. Many contend that the future of higher education is up for grabs; how those of us in the "industry" respond will determine whether American higher…

Discusses class-based, or economic, affirmative action, touted by the Bush administration as a race-neutral alternative to race-conscious affirmative action in college admissions. Explores whether such policies will result in fewer minority admissions and considers the "fairness" of the approach. (SLD)

Examines affirmative action in higher education and the different legal challenges faced by this policy. Explores the need for diversity and discusses the many obstacles which still block equal opportunities in education. Offers some solutions to the problem of equality, such as tuition aid, Pell grants, and pre-collegiate outreach. (RJM)