In Race on Campus, Julie J. Park argues that there are surprisingly pervasive and stubborn myths about diversity on college and university campuses, and that these myths obscure the notable significance and admirable effects that diversity has had on campus life.
Based on her analysis of extensive research and data about contemporary students and campuses, Park counters these myths and explores their problematic origins. Among the major myths that she addresses are charges of pervasive self-segregation, arguments that affirmative action in college admissions has run its course and become counterproductive, related arguments that Asian Americans are poorly served by affirmative action policies, and suggestions that programs and policies meant to promote diversity have failed to address class-based disadvantages. In the course of responding to these myths, Park presents a far more positive and nuanced portrait of diversity and its place on American college campuses.
At a time when diversity has become a central theme and goal of colleges and universities throughout the United States, Race on Campus offers a contemporary, research-based exploration of racial dynamics on today’s college campuses.
Table of Contents
Introduction
ONE: Black Students and the Cafeteria—What’s the Big Fuss?
TWO: Who’s Really Self-Segregating?
THREE: Is Class-Based Affirmative Action the Answer?
FOUR: Why Affirmative Action Is Good for Asian Americans
FIVE: Why the SAT and SAT Prep Fall Short
SIX: The Problem of the “Problem of Mismatch”
SEVEN: How Then Should We Think?
Notes
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Index
Julie J. Park is an associate professor of education at the University of Maryland, College Park.
