This book offers a comprehensive definition of the field of ethnic studies, covering both major issues in the field and its theoretical and methodological approaches. It traces the origins and evolution of the discipline in the United States and maps its domain. Some of the current issues addressed include affirmative action, illegal/legal…

Race-conscious affirmative action programs in higher education are subject to strict scrutiny, which is the highest standard of review used by the courts to evaluate a policy's constitutionality. The courts employ a two-part test, examining whether the policy serves a compelling governmental interest (the underlying goal of the policy must be…

Reports on surveys of the current status of sex-equity efforts in New York two-year colleges. Identifies institutional and individual factors affecting such efforts. Reveals progress toward sex equity in vocational programs, but recommends additional efforts in the areas of leadership, support services, career information, facilities, placement,…

Presents a summary of issues, problems, court litigation proceedings, accomplishments, and other events relating to racial, ethnic, and sex discrimination, school desegregation, equal education, and services for the disadvantaged in the United States as a whole and in individual States, as described in various reports from January to April, 1982.…

Explores legal conflicts that arise between seniority principles and affirmative action goals when public schools must reduce their workforces. Suggests that minority students' right to equal education, which demands a substantial minority faculty presence, should be a prevailing concern in dealing with layoffs. (Author/MJL)

Examined the career aspirations and attitudes of 103 women and 66 men who were first-year college students. Results revealed that women are as career-committed and certain as men and, at the same time, are shifting toward nontraditional majors and careers. Presents suggestions for expanding traditional counseling activities. (Author)

Reviews assertions that significant gains in Black occupational mobility since the 1960s indicate that racial discrimination is no longer a problem in the United States. Demonstrates that data on Black and White mobility do not support the policy implication that affirmative action programs are no longer needed. (Author/MJL)

Describes the methodology and findings of a study of the values and attitudes of community college personnel concerning affirmative action. Points to poor hiring records in rural areas, need for human relations training, negative attitudes among vocational personnel, sex bias, perceptions of racism, and high self-perceived liberality. (DMM)

Proceedings of the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers which relate to nontraditional programs, including programs for special categories of students, are summarized. Names and institutions of conference participants are included. (MSE)

Australian universities are surveyed to determine the proportion of female appointments and the appointments of candidates with non-Australian degrees. Evidence is presented that shows both groups are underrepresented, and partial explanations are offered. (JSR)

The retrenchment experience of Pennsylvania's state college system is described. The specter of retrenchment scared the campuses into finding new nonpersonnel cuts to make; a policy of intrasystem faculty transfer was finally adopted; and although campus presidents opposed retrenchment, by 1979-80 they were convinced of its necessity. (MLW)

Presents the results of surveys that use new technologies and procedures to provide a more accurate picture of how people feel about racially charged issues. The results suggest deep divisions and surprising agreement on many of these issues. Argues that, distrust and dislike of affirmative action is widespread even among liberals. (MJP)

In an interview, Blenda J. Wilson discusses aspects of her role as president of the University of California-Northridge, including decision making in the face of an earthquake and of controversial campus freedom-of-speech situations, the preparation and selection of college presidents, the threat to affirmative action policy, and being a role…

In the federal case from New Jersey, "Taxman v. Board of Education of Township of Piscataway," the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a school board cannot use affirmative-action guidelines to decide which employees will be laid off. This article explains the precedents upon which the court based its August 1996 decision. (LMI)

Reviews a variety of issues in brief reports related to blacks and higher education, including those of equal access to higher education and equal education, black college faculty diversity and hiring, rankings of black colleges, college entrance examination scores for minorities, black graduation rates, and affirmative action for school…