The 26 brief notes of this feature provide a snapshot of the status of blacks in higher education. Admissions policies, black enrollment, affirmative action, and actions with the potential for detrimental effects on blacks in higher education are among the issues considered. (SLD)

Behind this discussion of minority achievement is a story of one who transcended poverty and rose to the top of American education. Carol Swain advises that a student from a poor family should not be penalized because her parents are not able to involve themselves in school. This and other recommendations on policy reflect a profoundly personal…

This report examines the college aspirations and decisionmaking factors gathered from 53 interviews with Black, female, college-bound students, their parents, friends, college counselors, teachers, and school staff. The goal was to reveal how the students' lives and their access to postsecondary education have been framed and structured by the…

In its major policy document, "Basic Agenda: Policy Directions and Priorities for the Nineties," the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges (CCC) specifies goals and objectives necessary for the system's 107 community colleges. Following the format of the Basic Agenda, this 1992-93 status report provides an update on the…

The traditional underrepresentation of women and minorities in administrative positions continues to be a reality in most states. This paper describes the Women and Minorities in Administration Program, developed by the South Dakota Equal Educational Opportunities Office in an attempt to alleviate this disparity. The program was developed to…

While the largest growth in the college-age population (i.e., 18 to 24 year olds) is among minority group members, the largest decline in college-going rates is among minorities. Because of poor academic preparation, rising tuition rates, and declining financial aid resources, the community college has become the college of necessity, rather than…

An overview is provided of Hispanic enrollment and staffing patterns in U.S. community colleges. After an initial discussion of changes taking place in postsecondary education, information on the low participation rates of Hispanics in higher education is presented; e.g., in 1978 Hispanics made up 6% of the population of the mainland United…

Various organizational modes for implementing desegregation in higher education are examined with specific reference to the effects of programs at the University of Washington, the University of California at Santa Barbara, and the University of California at Berkeley. Each school established Equal Opportunity Programs (EOP) that differ…

In July 1975, a national institute was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to propose ways of improving Chicano access to higher education. The institute, dedicated to the memory of New Mexico educator Dr. Dolores Gonzales, brought together Chicano educators and representatives of public and private universities, state governments, and the Federal…

This legal document presents the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in the affirmative action case brought against the University of Michigan's Law School. On June 23, 2003, the Court held in Grutter v. Bollinger et al. that diversity is a compelling interest in higher education and that race is one of a number of factors that can be taken into…

Over the last 20 years, the college enrollment rate of Latino high school graduates has dropped dramatically in comparison to that of non-Latino Whites. Among college graduates, the only category in which Latinos earned a degree at a higher rate than non-Latino Whites was at the associate's degree level. Latinos have nearly reached parity with…

Most educational institutions must meet strict legal requirements when considering race in admissions, financial aid, student assignment, and other policy decisions. Based on U.S. Supreme Court rulings, both the Equal Protection Clause and Title VI require that race-conscious policies be subject to "strict scrutiny." A court evaluates…

Reports on the Minority Education Initiative included in the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges' 1990 public policy agenda. Focuses on issues related to government policies and guidelines, effective teaching environments, and institutional effectiveness. Provides an assessment of each issue and strategies for change. (DMM)

Suggests ways to eliminate ability grouping in the schools, and explores new alternatives to improve schooling for all students. Specific guidelines are given for the development of academically and racially heterogeneous schooling. The elimination of grouping practices that deny equal access to education is a goal worth pursuing. (SLD)

Explores the political and social reasons behind the denial of affirmative action at the University of California and analyzes the probable impact and human rights effects of the policy. Because the state has not allocated sufficient funds to improve elementary and secondary education for Blacks and Latinos, their numbers will inevitably decline…