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Race, Merit, And College Admissions, Luke S. Tripp

Ethnic and Women's Studies Working Papers

Is it fair to include race in the criteria for admission to highly selective colleges and universities so that Blacks will be present in greater numbers on college and university campuses? This is a central question in the affirmative-action controversy. To address this key question we will focus on prestigious institutions of higher education because that is where affirmative action policies are most controversial. Therefore, we will consider some of the most compelling arguments of opponents and proponents of affirmative action programs and policies at prestigious colleges and universities.