Argues that the impact of growing cultural and ethnic diversity nationwide will have a pervasive impact on community colleges. Discusses the importance of institutional reform and commitment to ethnic diversity. Highlights shared characteristics of 10 predominantly White colleges that have successfully retained and graduated large numbers of…

Using averages to characterize populations is misleading. The normal curve for income per capita for Asian Americans is wider than for other groups. While some Asians are wealthy, many are poor. Census data are used to analyze the status of women, educational attainment, and affirmative action among Asian Americans. (VM)

Despite all the complicating factors brought about by changes in the applicant pool, increased participation in the selection process, and the pervasiveness of institutional operational biases, the academic search process is now more inclusive and responsive to its constituents. A broader spectrum of candidates is being considered. (MLW)

The opinions of affirmative action/equal employment opportunity directors in research and doctorate-granting institutions concerning the impact of AA/EEO officers on the professional ranks of the academy are reported. The influence of organizational, program, and individual variables on those views were investigated. (Author/MLW)

Since December 1983 universities and colleges in New South Wales are required to research the extent of discrimination and prepare an equal opportunity management plan. The objectives of this legislation and whether they are being realized within the academic structure of one university are assessed. (MLW)

The history of the ideal of equality is traced from Plato to the present. The relevance for American society of equality of opportunity and of condition is explored, especially in terms of legal developments and educational policy. An intermediate judicial standard has evolved, straddling rational basis and strict scrutiny interpretations. (AF)

Schools can legally provide role models for minority and female students by taking the following steps: (1) providing bias-free programs and curriculum; (2) offering career awareness programs; (3) giving academic guidance; (4) counseling students on higher education; (5) and inviting "role models" to schools. (MLF)

This article discusses two unintended consequences of federal affirmative action programs under the headings: institutional hypocrisy and intellectual mush, and it offers suggestions for supporters of affirmative action who need to correct mistaken impressions and stress the opportunities affirmative action offers. (SM)

Minority participation in public policymaking has improved little in recent years, despite an increasingly multicultural population. Programs to prepare minorities for government careers are growing, but additional measures are sought, including minority hiring in growing agencies, development of advocacy groups in government agencies, mentoring…

Addresses the question of why there is a decrease in college participation by blacks and whether this indicates that American society is becoming more racist. It explains how low expectations about going to college can negatively affect secondary school performance and how government policies contributed to those expectations. (GR)

This article examined efforts to end affirmative action policies in higher education, which are uniting black and Latino groups, white women, Native Americans, and Asians, especially in California and some East Coast universities. Tables and graphs provide data on student racial and ethnic demographics of institutions of higher education. (MSE)

Discusses reasons for the repeal of government-mandated racial quotas and why this is gaining support from the American people. The author highlights the reason affirmative action is important and why it does not lend itself to bureaucratic oversight in the form of quotas, goals, or timetables. (GR)

Argues that to more fully understand beliefs about race that seem paradoxical, it is important to understand the way that beliefs are conceptualized and measured. The authors conclude that the concept of values developed by Rokeach (1973) offers a better basis for gauging public sentiment toward social policies and toward day-to-day living in an…

A woman associate professor denied tenure by male colleagues sued and won in federal court, claiming sex discrimination in assessment of her scholarship. She is being reimbursed by the university for costs of her extensive publicity campaign. University failure to file a required affirmative-action plan was also found. (MSE)

The policy of Northeastern University (Massachusetts) to actively recruit and promote openly gay and lesbian employees has provoked heated debate. Some criticize the policy as providing special privileges to homosexuals and violating the spirit of affirmative action; others see it as a logical step in ending discrimination. (MSE)