Books in the Opposing Viewpoints series challenge readers to question their own opinions and assumptions. By reading carefully balanced views, readers confront new ideas on the topic of interest. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited job discrimination based on age, race, religion, gender, or national origin, provided the groundwork for affirmative action policies. Many critics of affirmative action argue, however, that such measures are no longer necessary because blatant racial discrimination and intolerance have been brought under control. The California Civil Rights Initiative is an example of the type of legislation designed to end affirmative action that is being debated hotly today. The 26 essays in this collection present opposing viewpoints about discrimination in the United States and the best ways to deal with it. They are grouped into the following sections: (1) "Is Discrimination a Serious Problem?"; (2) "What Causes Discrimination?"; (3) "Are Claims of Reverse Discrimination Valid?"; and (4) "How Can Society Put an End to Discrimination?" Each section contains a periodical bibliography, and a list of 19 organizations to contact for further information is attached. (Contains 70 references.) (SLD)