This study is an attempt to bring together research examining diversity initiatives in curriculum and co-curriculum with research on race-based policies, specifically the policy of affirmative action in college admissions. The study attempted to identify and confirm unique background characteristics, beliefs, and predispositions that students…

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…

This chapter asserts that to make the case for affirmative action in higher education based on the diversity rationale, the legal debate must be reconceptualized into a policy-oriented framework. It presents a model dividing policy development into four interrelated parts: goals, objectives, strategy, and design. The policy framework is applied to…

This chapter reviews the legal standards governing affirmative action in higher education, examining the diversity rationale and contrasting the cases of Hopwood v. Texas and Wittmer v. Peters, which were decided in 1996. It discusses: the legal standard governing affirmative action in higher education; the remedial interest in overcoming the…

Three issues in the controversy over special admissions programs to higher education are presented. It is argued (1) that academic achievement need not be the sole criterion for admissions; (2) that race and sex can serve as qualifications for admission; and (3) that there are moral grounds for special admissions. (JMF)

The NAACP concludes that the Supreme Court has upheld the use of race as an important factor to be considered in school admission and admission to the professions. (Author/MC)

Regarding the University of Michigan affirmative action cases, addresses: (1) "What did the Supreme Court rule in 'Grutter' and 'Gratz'"?; "How are the rulings a departure?"; (2) impact of state referenda prohibiting race-conscious admissions; (3) ways of dealing with admissions and financial aid post-"Grutter"; and…

South Africa's post-apartheid college admission strategies show that initially, applicants may be accepted or rejected solely based on academic merit. If predictors are found to be biased at this stage, they may be statistically adjusted. Subsequently, representation of specific groups may be considered using quotas, but also with consideration…

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…

Among all college applicants, the disproportionate number of qualified Asian students presents special problems to admissions officers. There is the "model minority" segment and the underside--the economically and socially deprived who are candidates for affirmative action programs. (MLW)

Examines the impact of affirmative-action college-admission policies on black student dropout rates in the nation's top higher education institutions. Black student dropout rate comparative data are provided that show graduation rate percentages of Ivy League schools, less-selective state universities, and historically black colleges. (GLR)

Notes various omissions in Daniel and Timken's (EJ 591 141) recitation of "Bakke" and "Hopwood." Examines their chief criticism of the "Hopwood" decision: that it overruled "Bakke," and the contention that the Fifth Circuit overruled because it did not have to address the question of whether educational…

In March 1996, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated the University of Texas School of Law's admission policy in "Hopwood v. State of Texas." The state failed to show a compelling government interest for the affirmative-action admissions policy favoring Mexican-American and African-American applicants. Minority admissions…

The purpose of this study was to survey African American College students' perceptions of racial preferences and Affirmative Action in making admission decisions at a predominantly White university. 422 questionnaires were sent out to African American College students at a large, urban, public, comprehensive research university in the southern…