The parameters of affirmative action: Equity and excellence in the academy

This article provides a historical, philosophical, and theoretical analysis of affirmative action in higher education. It begins with the historical basis for affirmative action and the rationale for why it has been needed. The author outlines the philosophy behind affirmative action and its legal ramifications. The article then evaluates the success of affirmative action, outlines the criticisms that have been made of it, and considers alternatives. It is argued that affirmative action goes to the heart of what we mean by public higher education and what we mean by ''merit.'' Although the policy has not succeeded in creating dramatic improvements, it has been consistent with basic assumptions about the meaning of academic community.