Realizing Democratic Values with Race-Sensitive Affirmative Action‪.‬

The Western Journal of Black Studies' Special Issue on Affirmative Action (2003) contains an excellent collection of eight articles on affirmative action. The reader is provided with a wide array of persuasive arguments supportive of affirmative action. The different authors provide a wealth of information and many keen insights into the consequences of affirmative action policies. The purpose of this essay is to explain the strengths and weaknesses of three selected articles from this special issue. Some suggested areas for future study are also given. Each author argues for some form of affirmative action. The major difference among the authors is over the nature of affirmative action they advocate. For example, Thomas Boston and Usha Nair-Reichert support strong affirmative action that addresses racial/ethnic iniquities and is affirmed by a constitutional amendment. Whereas, Glenn Loury argues for a weak version of affirmative action that he calls "developmental affirmative action." This approach calls for policies that provide remedial assistance and training to minorities before they begin the admission or entry process; the aim is to improve the skills and capabilities of minorities so they can meet the same admission or entry standards required of all applicants.