Presents a history of the numerical basis of federal affirmative action programs. Focuses particularly on the Philadelphia Plan and congressional activity since the mid-1960s. Argues that numbers have played a necessary role in attempts to alleviate racial discrimination. (KH)

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)

Based in part on four-year data collection project concerned with the Asian Pacific admission issue at private and public colleges in California and the Northeast, this article examines Asian Pacific Americans and the obstacles they face in undergraduate admission to colleges. Explores differences in admit rates between Asian Pacific Americans and…

Examines factors that underlie the tendency of various countries to shift responsibility for examining refugees' requests for asylum to another country. Finds that political and economic concerns, attitudes toward refugees and foreigners, and racial prejudice and cultural bias all play a role in a country's acceptance of its responsibility…

Contrasts two views of affirmative action: (1) centralizing control over affirmative action with quotas and (2) making employment decisions that are consistent with sound business principles but which counteract prejudice, expand opportunities for underrepresented groups, and recognize labor market distortions that are unjustified by business…

In response to criticisms of the study of the Committee on the Status of Black Americans, the study director and committee chairman discuss the following: (1) participant selection process; (2) consultation with scholars; (3) chairman's qualifications; (4) study group organization; (5) theoretical orientation; (6) sponsoring organization's role;…

This paper reviews the effects of affirmative action on administrative policy in higher education. The history of the Federal mandate against ethnic and sex discrimination is traced, and several court cases are reviewed. Examples of discriminatory admission and employment practices in higher education as reflected in pattern, class and individual…

A model for examining tradeoffs between rate of minority hiring and quality of selectees is presented. In a representative case, substantial changes in the rate of minority hiring have only small effects on the quality of the work force. (Author)

Provides an overview of controversies over the legality of employment quotas. Asserts that the realities of human relationships (which form a metaphorical "web") cannot always be recognized and considered by the courts (which operate as a metaphorical "ladder"). (KH)

This report explores the issue of affirmative action within the context of a problem-remedy approach, where affirmative action is regarded as a response to the problem of race, ethnic, and sex discrimination. Part A investigates discriminatory attitudes and behavior as practiced consciously or unconsciously by individuals, organizations, or whole…

Discusses components of the University of North Carolina's consent decree, and holds that the "remedies" proposed therein actually will prevent the achievement of equal educational opportunity in North Carolina. (GC)

Discusses the growing sense of grievance among younger working-class and middle-class White males most affected by affirmative action preferences. Suggests that measures intended to ensure equal opportunity and proportional representation for minority groups may be contributing to racial polarization on college campuses, in workplaces, and in…

This volume presents viewpoints of government representatives, legal experts, economists, and private sector representatives on recommendations for reforms in U.S. immigration policy and legislation submitted to the President and to Congress by the Select Commission on Immigration and Refugee Policy. Included are: (1) a report of issues considered…