Offers an overview of the context and consequences of affirmative action in California with regard to faculty hiring and student admissions for African Americans and other Californians of color. Data support the contention that African American representation in public postsecondary education will decrease in the absence of affirmative action.…

The lower court findings and 1995 Supreme Court decision in Podberesky versus Kerwin, concerning the legality of race-exclusive scholarships, is reviewed and its implications on race-based financial aid awards are examined. Issues discussed include current Department of Education guidelines in this context, meeting institutional mandates to…

The University of Texas law school's race-based admissions process triggered the boldest judicial statement addressing affirmative action since 1978. Colleges and universities throughout the country must now look at student diversity on a student-by-student basis and without reference to racial classifications. Admissions offices failing to comply…

Provides an excerpt from a speech delivered at the University of South Dakota by the college president Thomas Shortbull titled, "Affirmative Action: An Opportunity to Escape Wage Slavery." Discusses how affirmative action is needed for Native Americans so that they can become the professionals needed to develop the reservations economically and…

Reviews the demographic characteristics of Latinos in higher education, arguing that educational institutions must commit to achieving multiculturalism in curricula and pluralism in administrative structures. Describes the approach of Hostos Community College (New York), providing bilingual instruction and professional development. Highlights…

Argues how the case against affirmative action heavily rests on myth and misunderstanding. It discusses 10 of the most common myths and presents public opinion poll data suggesting that support for affirmative action is greater than typically assumed. (GR)

Examines the impact of affirmative action as to whether the consequences of discrimination have been eliminated and whether measures are in place to prevent discrimination from occurring in the future. Argues that affirmative action has been partially successful, but its ultimate goal has not been reached. Some concerns and limitations in…

Using longitudinal student data from the University of Michigan and the Cooperative Institutional Research Program, effects of classroom diversity and informal interaction were examined. Diversity experiences consistently and meaningfully affected learning and civic outcomes, supporting the importance of affirmative action and diversity efforts in…

Examines the literature on minority experiences in optometry and other health professions, describing programs geared either toward increasing diversity or facilitating acceptance of diversity within the optometric profession, including affirmative action and other institutional support structures. (EV)

Collaboration between the nursing programs at an historically black college and a university is intended to improve access to graduate education for the college and increase diversity at the university. A program of career counseling, financial planning, mentoring, and study skills support is a central component. (Contains 14 references.) (SK)

The University of Wisconsin, in the third year of a high-profile drive to increase minority enrollments, is having difficulty reaching its goals despite realistic goals and appropriate efforts. Competition for a limited minority population among the state's private and public colleges and universities is intense, and racial tension persists. (MSE)

Discusses errors in appraisals of African-Americans' economic progress in recent history, in order to show that African-Americans have made little progress toward achieving economic equality. Considers the changing roles of African-American and European American women in the labor market as vital to interpreting economic status trends. (JS)

Discusses current constraints on Chicano Studies programs: limited Chicano enrollment, poor retention and graduation rates, scarce Chicano faculty, and weak faculty support for Affirmative Action. Reports on operations of 38 Chicano Studies programs and their responses to these problems. Contains 20 references and 13 tables. (SV)

Summarizes reports on the status of Hispanics at California State University and the University of California. Discusses Californians rapidly growing young Hispanic population; Hispanic student access, enrollment, persistence, and graduation; and the hiring, retention, and promotion of Hispanic faculty and administrators. Contains 18 references.…

Presents historical overview of Black women's battle against the dual forces of sexism and racism. Reviews the history of affirmative action. Provides summaries of articles contained in this special issue. The articles concentrate on community, economic/social, and education issues in relation to Black women and affirmative action. (JS)