Analyzes two personnel-related decisions--"City of Richmond v. J. A. Croson Co." and "Wards Cove Packing Co. v. Atonio"--rendered during the 1988 term of the Supreme Court. Examines the impact they are expected to have on two key personnel-centered equity programs, affirmative action and equal employment opportunity. (AF)

Explores strategies that feminist researchers in experimental and cognitive psychology have used to eliminate androcentrism and sexism. Studying the history of feminist work in these areas from 1890 to the 1990s makes the need for continuing focus on epistemological and theoretical problems apparent. (SLD)

The emergence of conservative activists among African-American intellectuals in the past decade represents a new leadership stratum among African Americans. The movement is explored, and it is argued that the new African-American conservatism does not represent the sort of natural constituency that old forms of African-American conservatism…

Draws from a literature review and surveys of state commissioners of higher education and community college presidents to profile minority student enrollments at community colleges by ethnicity and college size. Assesses the prevalence of programs to increase minority student participation. Notes changes in numbers of minority faculty and…

Examined perception of 42 African-American student affairs professionals toward racism, campus climate, affirmative action, and role modeling. Respondents indicated that they perceived affirmative action programs and policies to be effective ways to remedy past discrimination practices. Most believed that their institutions were actively…

States that ethnic and racial diversity in America continue to increase, whereas programs promoting diversity in education, such as affirmative action and race-based scholarships, are under sharp criticism. Discusses litigation targeted against offering race-based scholarships to increase diversity on college campuses and the arguments in support…

The decision of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to stop giving significant admissions preference to minority students sparked student protests and debate about universities' promises of affirmative action. Constitutional scholars and higher-education officials found the university's numerical goals for admissions legally risky, so the…

Colleges and universities are using creative measures to promote student diversity amid anti-affirmative-action movements. Strategies include more extensive outreach, capitalizing on alumni assistance, targeting the economically disadvantaged, making a commitment to the community, and taking a proactive approach. (MSE)

In response to legislation eliminating race and gender as factors in admissions decisions, the University of California instituted a series of short- and long-range outreach strategies to recruit disadvantaged students, increase the number of underrepresented minorities in the eligibility pool, change the culture of secondary schools to promote…

Explores the importance of race in the United States as a means to questioning the necessity of affirmative-action laws. Presents different perspectives on the pros and cons of affirmative action in hiring practices and educational admissions. Asserts that the laws prohibiting affirmative action in Washington and California demonstrate the…

A report based on a study of 45,184 students entering 28 selective colleges in 1976 or 1989 is the most comprehensive look at how students benefitting from racial preference in college admission fared during and after college. The authors say the findings disprove the claim that black students with low test scores are better off at less selective…

Reviews legal theory and major affirmative-action court litigation in two areas involving public education: employment and student placement. Four U.S. Supreme Court justices solidly oppose affirmative-action plans not directly linked to governmental discrimination. Schools should consult attorneys, not advocates, as…

Public university officials in Louisiana and Mississippi are treading a narrow line between conflicting directives on affirmative action. In U.S. vs. Louisiana, court orders permit use of affirmative action in admissions for desegregation purposes, but in Hopwood vs. Texas, Louisiana campuses are barred from using affirmative action in admissions…

Presents statistical data on the progress of African Americans in higher education, discussing: the black-white higher education equality index; statistics measuring the state of racial inequality; blacks in the performing and fine arts; and state-by-state comparison of blacks as a percentage of all public and private college enrollments compared…

The Department of Labor's new guidelines on employee selection procedures are outlined, and their effect on affirmative action programs is discussed. Specific steps in following the guidelines are outlined, and college and universities are advised to review their related operations before an audit is imposed. (MSE)