Articles Index

White Firefighters Accuse New Haven of Bias

A group of white firefighters alleged that the city of New Haven, Conn., discriminated against them when it threw out a test that white firefighters passed at a 50% greater rate than blacks. Performance on the test was the basis for promotion. By discarding the test, the city prevented the white firefighters eligible for promotion from advancing to captain and lieutenant rank. The case, known as Ricci v. DeStefano, will be decided by the Supreme Court in June.

Affirmative Action in This Century and Beyond

Debates continue about the pros and cons of affirmative action. What’s the current state of the practice, and is it helping to end discrimination? A review of the major laws and court decisions involving affirmative from 2000 to the present paint a picture.

The Five Landmark Events Which Led to Affirmative Action’s Rise

Today affirmative action is talked about so much, it seems like the practice has always been around. Actually, race-based preferences arose after some long, hard-fought battles waged by civil rights leaders and acted on by U.S. presidents. A look back at American history will reveal the events that had the most influence on affirmative action’s development.

Does Affirmative Action Address Intra-Racial Divides?

In recent years, supporters of affirmative action have questioned whether those who need it most are actually receiving it. Nowhere has this argument played out more than in the Asian-American and African-American communities. Within these groups, class divides exist between ethnic groups that raise questions about how colleges practice affirmative action. Are the appropriate individuals being rewarded by the practice?

Who Benefits from Affirmative Action’s Ban in Universities?

How have affirmative action bans in California, Texas and Florida affected student enrollment in public universities in those states? Enrollment of white students has actually declined following affirmative action’s demise. On the other hand, Asian American enrollment has risen dramatically at public universities where affirmative action is banned. As predicted, enrollment of blacks and Latinos in the post-affirmative action era has declined. How can the playing field be leveled?

How to Create a Diversity Friendly Workplace

Making sure employees from different racial backgrounds feel comfortable at work has several benefits. Not only can a diversity friendly workplace enhance team spirit, it can also boost creativity and promote a sense of investment in the company. By following a few simple guidelines, it's fairly easy to create a work setting in which employees of all backgrounds feel valued.

Make Your Diversity Workshop Pay Off

By consulting diversity experts, encouraging team building and setting ground rules, you can have a diversity workshop that pays off. Where your diversity workshop takes place and the length of the program will also determine whether the workshop succeeds. Help participants invest in activities by putting the ideas discussed at the workshop to use in the immediate future.

Giving Your Child the Race Talk

Talking to children about race doesn’t come easy for most parents, but it’s a subject not to be avoided. That’s because kids will form ideas about race whether parents raise the issue or not. Learn to inform children about this complex issue by exposing them to cultural celebrations, museums and more. Doing so will not only make kids more knowledgeable about race but also builds their character.

How to Be an Anti-Racism Activist

Americans have fought racism for centuries now. Follow the lead of the country’s trailblazers in race relations by learning how to participate in protests, letter-writing campaigns and media interviews. Discover the benefits of joining an anti-racist group as well as helpful literature to read about racial issues. Understand the importance of speaking out against racism in all circumstances.