Diversity Trends in Higher Education: Comparing the Effects of Race-Neutral and Race-Conscious Policies

• In Event: 409 - Regular Session. Affirmative Action

Abstract

Since the year 2000, affirmative action has been routinely in U.S. news headlines. The policy, which began in controversy, continues to elicit strong opinions that vary largely by race. A number of states have passed proposals banning the consideration of race in college admissions, and while prominent educators largely advocate for the value of racial diversity in higher education, the majority of the American public has historically largely opposed race-based social policy. If this trend continues, affirmative action could be on the chopping block in the U.S. as a whole. What would the impact be? What trends have we seen regarding student body diversity in higher education in the U.S.? This study (which is part of a larger project) will explore student body diversity in a state that has banned consideration of race (Michigan) and a state that has not (Kentucky) from the years 2000 to 2013. The Michigan ban began in 2006; what was its impact within that state? Has racial diversity decreased, increased, or remained the same? How do these trends compare to Kentucky over the same time period? This research will contribute to gaining a better understanding of race-neutral and race-based policies and their impacts.

Author

• David John Luke, University of Kentucky