Discusses how, as lawyers on both sides make their final preparations for the approaching April 1 deadline to present oral arguments to the U.S. Supreme Court in the University of Michigan's two affirmative action cases, legal scholars say it is anyone's guess on who will eventually prevail in the landmark decision. (EV)

Discusses one scholar who believes that even though the Supreme Court has yet to rule on the University of Michigan admissions cases, Americans already are living in a post-affirmative action world. For this particular scholar, a ruling against Michigan might boost minority achievement. Others, however, are less optimistic. (EV)

Discusses how Louisiana's Xavier University maintains an enviable track record of sending more African American students to medical school than any other institution. (EV)

As competition increases to gain admission into the University of California system, more students are going to community college first to enhance their chances of admission. The route is especially helpful for African American students since the elimination of affirmative action in California. (SLD)

Academic officials have begun taking stock of their admissions policies in light of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the University of Michigan admissions case. The survival of the use of race in college admissions has supporters breathing a little easier for the time being. (SLD)

Many Asian Americans are accusing elite colleges, including the University of California system and Harvard University, of setting admission quotas. Colleges blame high school counselors for failing to encourage Asian students to develop verbal skills and to participate in extracurricular activities. (FMW)

Some say the new SAT is an improved version of the old one. It adds more math, especially advanced algebra, an essay section and testing on grammar, according to some reports. Supposedly, it will rely less on rote reasoning and more on critical thinking. Will it give college admissions officers better information? Because no matter what the SAT…

The 20th century has been called the American Century, and one of its leitmotifs was the great leap forward for millions of Americans from poverty into the middle class. In the 1960s and 1970s, the implementation of the Higher Education Act and Pell Grants allowed large numbers of students from low-income families to enter college. In addition,…

It's not clear how supportive African Americans are of racial preferences. Supporters of preferences like to use the term "affirmative action," which is supported by most African Americans, but it is not the same thing. The old forms of affirmative action--positive, proactive measures to end discrimination, and aggressive outreach and recruiting…

This timeline reflects some of the most significant legal and legislative milestones that have influenced higher education almost as long as Black Issues In Higher Education has been in print. The ongoing legal battles have primarily involved the further desegregation of schools and the use of race and gender in scholarships and university…

Examines the philosophy and strategies of a conservative public-interest law firm, the Washington, DC-based Center for Individual Rights, in mounting a legal assault on college and university affirmative action policies. The firm claims it is motivated by belief in the conservative notion of limited government, and the extension of this philosophy…

A trend toward tighter college admissions standards, because more students are coming to college ill-prepared for academic work, is seen as a lack of commitment to helping students succeed. Developmental or remedial studies programs, established early to assist largely white populations, are mistakenly attributed to growing African-American…

After decades of criticism that standardized testing is culturally biased, the Educational Testing Service claims great strides in eliminating test bias in the Scholastic Assessment Tests and related tests and reports initiatives in cooperation with educators leading to better academic preparation for students of color. Critics still ask for…

Over a hundred scholars, lawyers, researchers, advocates, college admissions and financial aid officers, and students met at Harvard University (Massachusetts) to explore how under-represented groups can be included in higher education in an anti-affirmative action climate. The conference is the third in a think-tank series on civil rights issues.…

This article asserts low graduation rates, a lack of information for those who do graduate, and a perceived hostile environment on some campuses cut the college matriculation rates of African American students, making them an endangered species on some campuses. It discusses the root causes and effects of the low population of African American…