Project

How Did Affirmative Action Turn Into Diversity and What Has It Done To Our Democracy?

Program

ACLS Fellowship Program

Department

Education Policy and Social Analysis

Abstract

Universities, in the wake of attacks on affirmative action policies, have shifted to diversity policies that the Supreme Court demands must “benefit all.” However, this book project presents key data showing the benefits of diversity are not equally shared and the mental and social burdens of providing diversity, termed “diversity-work,” are understudied. Combining four years of fieldwork with two diversity and inclusion student organizations, twenty three interviews and content analysis of Supreme Court documents, this project examines the predictors and policy implications of “diversity-work.” Juxtaposing the American case is the case of France and their adoption of the diversity ideology in higher education.