Defending Diversity: Affirmative Action and Medical Education

ECU Author/Contributor (non-ECU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)

Kenneth M. DeVille (Creator)

Institution

East Carolina University (ECU )

Web Site: http://www.ecu.edu/lib/

Abstract: Affirmative action programs of all types are under attack legally and politically. Although medical schools have not been specifically targeted their affirmative action programs like others in higher education are potentially in danger. This article examines the current legal status of affirmative action in medical education and concludes that a refurbished defense of such programs is essential if they are to survive impending judicial and political scrutiny. An analysis of existing case law and available evidence suggests that a carefully reinvigorated diversity argument is the tactic most likely to pass constitutional muster as well as the justification most likely to blunt growing public and political opposition to admissions policies that take race and ethnicity into consideration. Originally published American Journal of Public Health Vol. 89 No. 8 Aug 1999

Additional Information

Publication

Other

American Journal of Public Health. 89:8(August 1999) p. 1256-1261.

Language: English

Date: 2011

Keywords

affirmative action, medical education, admission policy

Email this document to