Date of Award
12-2010
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Political Science
First Advisor
Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten
Second Advisor
Dr. Mark Hurwitz
Third Advisor
Dr. Kevin Corder
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
This thesis will examine the impact of anti-affirmative action movements in the states of Texas, Michigan, and Washington. By examining the incoming admission of minority students at law schools following anti-affirmative action movements in each state, the impact of the policy changes if any will be observed. Each state was chosen based on recent judicial decisions and legislative changes in that state which have altered or affected affirmative action in some form. This analysis will examine if these changes will decrease the matriculation of minorities admitted to these institutions. Upon examination, the short-term effects of the removal of affirmative action policy complement the stated hypothesis. As these programs are nullified, immediate drops in minority admission are observed throughout almost all sample institutions. However, long-term observations present a contrary conclusion. Long-term examination demonstrates that these drops stabilize over time. This stabilization is caused by two key occurrences. The implementation of race neutral programs and a lessening of the stigma placed on these institutions.
Recommended Citation
Walton, Erik Joseph, "The Select Few: An Evaluation of Law School Admissions Following Changes in Affirmative Action Policy" (2010). Masters Theses. 382.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/382