Different groups have had different experiences under affirmative action, and it is time to rethink the meaning of the policy for its intended beneficiaries. For White women and Asian Americans, policies should now focus on increasing upward mobility and advancement within institutions once entry has been gained. For Blacks, Latinos, and Native…

Examines how economic disadvantage explains race bias in college admissions and attendance, addressing the possibility of reaching racial diversity through economically-based affirmative action. Discusses the possible validity of admissions measures, noting that financial barriers to attendance exist even among public colleges and reporting…

Reviews two books criticizing the use of standardized testing. Nicholas Lehmann considers selective college admission based on the Scholastic Assessment Tests (SAT) offensive, since such tests never tap innate abilities. Peter Sacks develops a broader critique not confined to the SAT. The books suggest that effective education reform depends upon…

In its much-anticipated review of affirmative action, the Supreme Court upheld the educational importance of diversity. Amid great controversy, confusion, and debate, the U.S. Supreme Court this June issued its much-anticipated decisions in two University of Michigan cases addressing affirmative action in higher education admissions. The Court was…

Findings of the Carnegie Commission on selective admissions and the consideration of race as a criterion relevant to admissions decision are reported. The two-step process recommended includes first eliminating from consideration applicants who do not meet the minimal standard of admissibility, and second, considering racial experience along with…

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 publication describes "race-neutral" programs being implemented across the United States to work toward diversity in higher education without granting preferences based on race and ethnicity. Educational institutions will find that there are dozens of race-neutral options available and that the early results of these programs are…

In reaction to the "Hopwood v. Texas" decision, which declared the use of race in college admissions illegal, Texas created a percentage plan that guaranteed admission to students who graduate within a specified percentile of their high school class. Under the Texas plan, any student graduating in the top 10% of his or her high school…

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)

Focuses upon (1) the largely negative implications of the Bakke decision with respect to educational and professional opportunities for Blacks, and (2) the continuing need for affirmative action in higher education, especially graduate and professional programs. The Bakke case and issues involved in selective admissions policies are briefly…

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…

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)

A complete equal opportunity program provides an intervention strategy based upon students' diagnosed deficiencies in academic preparation and cognitive development. This study considers formal or abstract operational capability as measured by attainment of Piagetian tasks by special-admission students in a large midwestern university. (LHW)

This legal document examines whether the University of Michigan Law School's use of racial preferences in student admissions violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et. seq.), or 42 U.S.C. 1981. This brief filed by the federal government in support of the…

This legal document addresses whether the Court should reaffirm its decision in Regents of University of California v. Bakke, 438 U.S. 265 (1978), holding that the educational benefits which flow from a diverse student body to an institution of higher education, its students, and the public it serves are sufficiently compelling to permit the…