EDST 391-083
Color-Blind Nation: Worthy or Worthless Ideal?

• syllabus
• Cohen ("Next great battle over affirmative action") {ER}
• Barnes ("Surprising") {website}
• Barnes ("(Re)Affirming") {website}
• Sanchez ("Final Exam for Campus Affirmative Action?") {ER}

1. The Sanchez "Final exam?" reading describes the lawsuit recently filed against the University of Michigan, charging that its admissions procedure used unlawful racial preferences. Let's pull apart the issues in the case.

• Who has been taking Michigan's side in the case and who has been taking the side against it?
  
• To what extent, and how, do the two sides disagree about the facts in the case?
  
• To what extent, and how, do the two sides disagree about the principles involved in the case? (This would include matters of value as well as law.)

2. The second reading--Barnes' "Reaffirming"--provides additional details about how the disputed Michigan admissions process worked. After reading the article, familiarize yourself further with it by trying out the simulation it provides (click on "Can you get into Michigan?," which is located after the end of the article). Try out several scenarios (different GPAs, SATs, high school quality, etc.). Do each simulation twice but key in a different race for the two. Record the results (making a note about what the scenario entailed). We will share the results in class.

3. The third reading--Barnes' "Surprising"--talks about how some schools have maintained their minority enrollment levels after being ordered to stop using racial preferences. In general terms, how did they accomplish this? In your view, is this a fair and appropriate way of maintaining diversity? Briefly, why or why not?

Be prepared to debate the following question on Thursday: Is (was) the contested Michigan admissions procedure fair?