Compelling Interest: Examining the Evidence on Racial Dynamics in Colleges and Universities (review)

Abstract

On June 23, 2003, the Supreme Court handed down its decisions in two cases challenging the affirmative-action policies of the University of Michigan. The Court, influenced by social-science evidence, ultimately upheld the notion that furthering the educational benefits of diversity is a compelling goal justifying race-conscious policies in college admissions. Compelling Interest, edited by Chang et al., was written before these decisions; but given the narrow rulings and what will likely be continued assaults on affirmative action, its arguments are still relevant.