AFFIRMATIVE-ACTION IN CALIFORNIA - LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD IN PUBLIC ACADEME

This article offers an overview of the context and consequences of aff irmative action in California with regard to faculty hiring and studen t admissions for African Americans and other Californians of color. It first outlines the policy's philosophical framework and basic premise s. It next reviews the several criticisms that have been lodged agains t it in the nearly three decades since its implementation. The discuss ion highlights data indicating that (a) representation of African Amer icans and other minorities in public postsecondary education increased while affirmative action was in force; and (b) minority representatio n is certain to decrease in the absence of affirmative action.