This paper outlines and explains legal issues related to race-based affirmative action, which is defined as race-conscious action designed to overcome manifest racial imbalance. The paper highlights the history of affirmative action and its following objectives: (1) to overcome the effects of past discrimination; (2) to ensure against future discrimination; (3) to promote diversity; (4) to overcome a two-class society characterized by racial division; and (5) to provide equitable distribution of economic resources. Sections review constitutional law of affirmative action, federal and state laws bearing on school district use of affirmative action, and the status of challenges to affirmative action. The conclusion highlights situations in which affirmative action is required, permitted, and forbidden. (LMI)