Race-based versus class-based affirmative action in college admissions

Affirmative action is increasingly under attack. 1Some argue that racism is no longer a problem, that compensation for past wrongs is inappropriate, and that the ultimate goal of a color-blind society cannot be reached by means of a racebased policy. 2 Others concede the need for some sort of affirmative-action program but argue for a broader definition of disadvantage, often focusing on socioeconomic status variables other than race or ethnicity.According to this perspective, "class-based" affirmative action is a fairer and more politically palatable means to similar ends. 3Proposals for class-based affirmative-action policies have become particularly important in college admissions in the wake of recent court decisions that suggest that race-based scholarships and admis-1 See Conrad [1996] for a discussion of arguments for and against affirmative action and their application to policy changes in California; Yinger and Yinger [1996] for a critical review of alternative views of affirmative action; Bunzel [1996] for a critique of the use of race in college admissions; and Citrin [1996] on recent attacks on affirmative action and the role of public opinion.2 Recent examples include Bolick [1996], Eastland [1996]; in contrast, see Bergmann [1996].