Affirmative Action Reconsidered

Winner of the 1981-82 Joseph L. Andrews Bibliographical Award presented by the American Association of Law Librarians ...an excellent bibliography which addresses a very important contemporary issue. It deserves a place in the collections of large public libraries, law libraries, and most academic institutions. --RQ

Few issues seem able to polarise the nation as easily as affirmative action. The question of how, even whether, to rectify past discrimination in jobs, schools, and law against women and minorities is a perpetually vexing one. While some call for a quota system to set minimum percentages and numbers for minority positions, others say qualifications should take precedence over race when hiring an employee, admitting a student, or enforcing a law. Civil rights groups claim that specific quotas are often the only way to make up for systemic racism; those opposing such actions cite 'reverse racism' affecting whites. Recent federal, state, and local cases have challenged several affirmative action programs, particularly those involving school admissions. Decisions in Texas and Michigan, for example have struck down the use of racial standards in choosing which applicants to admit to universities. Bills have been introduced to eliminate affirmative action programs in many state legislatures, though there are some who want to 'mend, not end' affirmative action. Because this most crucial issue of race relations shows no signs of disappearing, the analysis in this book takes on added importance. Taking a look at affirmative action from a legal standpoint, the book addresses and assesses the history, current status, and future of affirmative action initiatives and programs. Such a study is much-needed in gathering information about a raging national debate.

Affirmative action is still a reality of the American workplace. How is it that such a controversial Federal program has managed to endure for more than five decades? Inside Affirmative Action addresses this question. Beyond the usual ideological debate and discussions about the effects of affirmative action for either good or ill upon issues of race and gender in employment, this book recounts and analyzes interviews with people who worked in the program within the government including political appointees. The interviews and their historical context provide understanding and insight into the policies and politics of affirmative action and its role in advancing civil rights in America. Recent books published on affirmative action address university admissions, but very few of them ever mention Executive Order 11246 or its enforcement by an agency within the Department of Labor - let alone discuss in depth the profound workplace diversity it has created or the employment opportunities it has generated. This book charts that history through the eyes of those who experienced it. Inside Affirmative Action will be of interest to those who study American race relations, policy, history and law.