Description
Book SynopsisIn
To Fulfill These Rights, Amaka Okechukwu offers a historically informed sociological account of the struggles over affirmative action and open admissions in higher education. Through case studies of policy retrenchment at public universities, she documents the rollback of inclusive policies in the context of shifting race and class politics.
Trade ReviewAn intriguing and informative yet provocative contribution to post-civil rights scholarly literature. * Social Policy and Administration *
Essential reading for anyone interested in open admissions. * Choice *
This work is part of an ambitious and broad research agenda. Regardless of its shortcomings, it provides a wealth of information that can be used for many types of analysis in different areas of sociological inquiry. I am looking forward to reading the author’s future related work. -- Martha A. Martinez, DePaul University * American Journal of Sociology *
A college education is crucial for living a productive and comfortable life. Yet, in
To Fulfill These Rights, Amaka Okechukwu reveals disturbing truths: access to college education is rapidly decreasing for Black and Brown Americans given the dismantling of affirmative action and open admission, and racialized disparities are likely to increase. This book should be read because it sheds lights on deeply entrenched inequalities threatening American democracy. -- Aldon Morris, Leon Forrest Professor of Sociology and African American Studies, Northwestern University
I learned something new and interesting on nearly every page. This is an excellent empirical engagement with affirmative action. Amaka Okechukwu’s updated racial formation theory is smart, compelling, and engaging. -- Ellen Berrey, author of
The Enigma of Diversity: The Language of Race and the Limits of Racial JusticeIn this timely book, Amaka Okechukwu provides a provocative and engaging account of racialized conflict over affirmative action and open admissions. Highlighting the radical activism of Black and Puerto Rican students as well as opposition to racial justice from liberals and conservatives alike, Okechukwu unveils how the rhetorics of diversity and colorblindness in higher education reproduce white supremacy. This is mandatory reading for anyone interested in understanding and dismantling systemic racism in the twenty-first century. -- Crystal Marie Fleming, author of
How to Be Less Stupid About Race: On Racism, White Supremacy, and the Racial DivideA truly unique, compelling, and expansive account of how both elite and grassroots political actors define, challenge, and transform admissions policies and practices. Chronicling political contestation across different sites, Amaka Okechukwu advances key concepts to help us understand and situate competing racial logics, discourses, and mobilizing strategies. An essential read for an unsettled debate. -- Michael Omi, University of California, Berkeley
In this timely book, Amaka Okechukwu illuminates the shifting political landscape and policy retrenchment in the wake of the dismantling of affirmative action. Despite the use of 'diversity' and 'adversity' as proxies for race, Black representation in American universities has fallen precipitously. Okechukwu demonstrates how the original logic of affirmative action has been subverted by two recent ideological movements—neoliberalism and colorblindness. Given the unrelenting mobilization of conservatives, the erosion of liberal support, and the absence of a vehement black protest movement that provided the original impetus for affirmative action policy, Okechukwu reaches the conclusion that the end of affirmative action is imminent. -- Stephen Steinberg, author of
Turning Back: The Retreat from Racial Justice in American Thought and PolicyTable of ContentsList of Abbreviations
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. A Right of Postwar Citizenship: The Emergence of Mass Higher Education and Race- and Class-Inclusive Admissions
2. Legal Mobilization: Racial Political Strategy and Affirmative Action Retrenchment in the Federal Courts
3. Board Votes and Ballot Initiatives: Racial Political Strategy in Trustee Decision-Making and State Elections
4. A Force of Nature: Student Resistance to Policy Elimination
5. The Limitations of Diversity: Defensive Innovation After the End of Affirmative Action and Open Admissions
Conclusion
Appendix A: Situating Political Struggle Over Affirmative Action and Open Admissions
Appendix B: Research Methodology
Notes
References
Index
