Law school diversity hinges on race policy; but study says that bar pass rates among races are close

Article Abstract:

A study by Linda F. Wightman, formerly a vice pres at the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), showed that the replacement of affirmative action admissions policies with race-neutral grade point averages and test scores or allowances for students' lower socioeconomic status would result in a dramatic drop in the number and quality of minority applicants accepted. The study was based on LSAC figures on all first-year students at ABA-approved schools in 1991. There is also concern that a decline in affirmative action students would mean fewer graduates going into public interest work.

Prevention, Discrimination in education, Educational discrimination

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With diversity under attack, private schools seek alternatives

Article Abstract:

Private law schools may have to change their tactics after the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit ruling in Hopwood v. Texas. The court ruled it a 14th Amendment violation to use race to achieve diversity in state colleges. Some law schools hope to get around the ruling by using religion as a preference, that is, attracting Hispanics by preferring Catholics. Some deans are resigned that diversity may decrease, although Hopwood has not yet finished its journey through the courts.

Analysis, College admissions

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Houston faculty narrowly oks measure to preserve diversity

Article Abstract:

The University of Houston Law Center's faculty has approved an admissions policy designed to preserve multiculturalism in its student body. The United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit decision in Hopwood v. Texas barring using race as a criterion for admissions to state colleges in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas triggered these changes. Educators are now hoping to use race-neutral principles to guarantee a multicultural student body.

Management, Texas, University of Houston Law Center

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