The Shape of the River’ Long Term Consequences of Considering Race
in College and University Admissions by Derek Bok and Dr. William G.
Bowen, Princeton University Press, $22.75, 384 pages.
Released last fall, this book offers a wealth of data and anecdotal
evidence to support the idea that affirmative action practices have
played a significant and essential role in granting African Americans
access to the credentialed classes. The book is based on data collected
in the College and Beyond study, which was funded by the Mellon
Foundation from 1994-97. The authors conduct a detailed qualitative
analysis of the data as well as examine admissions practices,
enrollment, and graduation trends among 28 of the nation’s most
selective colleges and universities. They also compare the career and
lifestyle trends among the Black and White alumni of these institutions
as well as their attitudes about diversity. It is a must-read for
anyone whose scholarship or professional activities relate to these
issues.
COPYRIGHT 1998 Cox, Matthews & Associates
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
