In this essay, the author discusses how affirmative action contributed to an unnatural rise in enrollments in college. In considering the higher education bubble, he makes the case that as the opposition to preferences continues to build, the momentum of this trend will only increase as funding shrinks. He offers some tentative answers to a series…

Opponents of higher education affirmative action programs are gearing up to launch their largest attack in recent years. The planned assault comes in the wake of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that severely limited the use of race in K-12 integration plans. It was Ward Connerly, the chairman of the American Civil Rights Institute, a…

Identity is central for research on education since, under certain conditions, it may influence school choice, career preferences and classroom behaviour. Identity also determines disposition toward schooling because it may have the capacity to shape and modify the values, beliefs and characteristics that distinguish one person from another, by…

This article uses four data sets to assess changes in the relative weights of test- and performance-based merit criteria on college enrollment during the 1980s and 1990s and considers their significance for affirmative action. Our results support the "shifting meritocracy" hypothesis, revealed by selective postsecondary institutions'…

This book examines the law and politics surrounding the Bakke case ("Regents of the University of California v. Bakke") and discusses the key arguments presented by both sides in the context of the current eroding public support for affirmative action. The goal is to elucidate the dynamics of U.S. Supreme Court decision making and…

The six different opinions in the Bakke case are analyzed to gain an understanding of the final decision in light of the issues that were considered by the Supreme Court. The implications for admission, financial aid, and affirmative action programs are discussed. (Author)

Provides responses from a small group of conservative scholars concerning the compromise proposed by Dr. James Q. Wilson indicating that the nation will allow some affirmative action in the form of race-based preferential admissions at the undergraduate level, but not in graduate programs. (GR)

Affirmative action programs are under attack in the 1970's. The country seems to be forgetting that the legacy of slavery is still with us. To act justly in the present and future, the past must be recalled because in large measure it shaped present conditions. Selected events in the history of black people in America, and certain key factors that…

Provides a brief sketch of the position Walter Feinberg stakes out in his book, On Higher Ground. Looks at the most central and problematic thesis of Feinberg's book: the "historical debt" argument. Argues from the perspective of someone who generally agrees with the kind of affirmative action policy Feinberg supports, but on different grounds.…

Shows how Kenneth R. Howe's review to the author's book, "On Higher Ground," might be used to advance and clarify the justifications presented for affirmative action. Addresses a few of the concerns with Howe's review and responds to two main criticisms that Howe presents. (VWC)

Equal opportunity for women was last examined by the New York State Board of Regents in 1972. This document contains two papers: (1) a policy paper "Equal Opportunity for Women" prepared by the Regents reaffirming their commitment to gender equity by proposing an action plan; and (2) a background paper, "Equity for Women in the…

The author of this speech discusses racial dualism in higher education in the American South. The states of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana have all had suits brought against them for maintaining separate and unequal institutions for blacks and whites. In all three states, the vast proportion of funds allocated for higher education have been…

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…

Analyzes the way the Supreme Court decision in the Bakke case dealt delicately with the meanings of a number of key words, including "quota,""stigma,""equality," and "discrimination." (GT)

Discusses the effects of the federal appellate court decision in "Hopwood v. University of Texas School of Law," which found race-based admissions criteria in violation of the Constitution. Reviews issues related to permissible admissions criteria, punitive damages, class actions, and administrator personal liability. (MAB)