In Chapter 1, we study the allocation of homogeneous positions under affirmative action policies where some positions are reserved for underrepresented groups on a "minimum guarantee" basis. Each individual has a merit-based score and may be eligible for multiple reserves. When an individual counts towards each of the reserves that she…

This study examines a Chinese language programme in an Ivy League institution through the lens of Tracking to re-conceptualise the achievement gap between Chinese heritage language learners (CHLLs) and non-heritage language learners. Like most prestigious universities in the U.S., Chinese language learners in this case study are put on one of two…

In light of the recent bans on affirmative action in higher education, this paper provides new evidence on the effects of alternative admissions policies on the persistence and college completion of minority students. I find that the change from affirmative action to the Top 10% Plan in Texas decreased both retention and graduation rates of…

Membership in the National Academy of Sciences carries great prestige and the chance to advise Congress. This article discusses critics' questioning of why so few female and minority scholars are let in. (EV)

Describes how the Gates Millennium Scholars program uses nontraditional criteria to award grants to low-income minority students. Profiles the first three recipients. (EV)

With regard to the DeFunis vs. Odegaard law school admission discrimination case, selection models were applied to hypothetical situations based upon evidence in the literature concerning such matters as mean differences between majority and minority groups on predictors and criteria, slopes of the within group regression lines, and correlations…

In an effort to provide wider access for all students, a program has been developed for minority students to have their admissions criteria entered into a pool of colleges that need students. In this manner, their chances of being suitably placed are vastly improved. (PG)

Describes a program which helps minority graduate students obtain doctoral degrees in sociology at universities of their choice. Fellowships were distributed equally among the sexes when effects of each of the indicators of academic credentials were controlled. Similar conclusions were drawn regarding age, marital status, and geographic region.…

Recent empirical evidence concerning sex and racial bias in testing is discussed in terms of three primary sources of bias: (1) content of the test itself, (2) atmosphere in which the test is administered, and (3) the use to which the test results are put. Test content that is demonstrably more difficult for one group than another should be (1)…

In 1999, Florida implemented the One Florida Initiative, a plan to end race-conscious decision making in employment, contracting, and higher education. The proposal for higher education was to replace race-conscious admissions with the Talented 20 Program, a policy that in theory would increase access for underrepresented students without…

Noting that the Supreme Court was wise in declining to decide the question in DeFunis v. Odegaard, the author outlines the arguments for minority admissions programs, including that of diversity in the law school student body. He recognizes also the limits to minority admissions programs and discusses the problem of admission criteria. (JT)

Overviews current and recent preferential admissions cases other than DeFunis, particularly Bakke v. the Regents of the University of California, pointing up major issues in racial preferential admissions cases and concluding that universities and their professional schools, not the courts, must fashion and apply admissions policies responsive to…

The professional school is caught between a social need to grant preferred admission to disadvantaged minority applicants--and the risks that go with reverse discrimination. (DM)

This book reports results of a National Research Council study and the validity of generalizing from its studies of about 500 occupations to over 12,000 jobs. The use of the General Aptitude Test Battery for prediction is discussed, and its impact and recommendations for future use are considered. (SLD)

Argues that the Supreme Court was right in not making a decision in the DeFunis v. Odegaard case regarding the right of the University of Washington Law School to identify applicants for admission by race and give preferential treatment to "minority" applicants. Emphasizes the need for "sharply defined and fully canvassed legal…