Harvard Education PR Race on Campuus: Debunking Myths with Data

In Race on Campus, Julie J. Park argues that there are surprisingly pervasive and stubborn myths about diversity on college and university campuses, and that these myths obscure the notable significance and admirable effects that diversity has had on campus life.Based on her analysis of extensive research and data about contemporary students and campuses, Park counters these myths and explores their problematic origins. Among the major myths that she addresses are charges of pervasive self-segregation, arguments that affirmative action in college admissions has run its course and become counterproductive, related arguments that Asian Americans are poorly served by affirmative action policies, and suggestions that programs and policies meant to promote diversity have failed to address class-based disadvantages. In the course of responding to these myths, Park presents a far more positive and nuanced portrait of diversity and its place on American college campuses.At a time when diversity has become a central theme and goal of colleges and universities throughout the United States, Race on Campus offers a contemporary, research-based exploration of racial dynamics on today’s college campuses. From the Back Cover At a moment when college campuses have become a new front in the culture wars, Race on Campus offers a research-based analysis of racial dynamics and student life that serves as a much-needed rejoinder to the scorching rhetoric. Julie J. Park addresses several major myths about diversity on campus including charges of pervasive self-segregation, misconceptions about affirmative action, and the theory of mismatch. Park tackles these thorny issues by unpacking the myths and mindsets that too often shape thinking about diversity and its effect on college life.   Engagingly written and unflinching in its analysis, Race on Campus dissects widely held misconceptions about diversity and spotlights its salutary effects on the college-campus experience.   "In Race on Campus, Julie Park does just what the title promises&;investigates with empirical rigor persistent questions surrounding diversity in college admissions and campus life and makes research-based recommendations for public policy and institutional practice. Authoritative in content yet accessible in tone, it should be mandatory reading for every college administrator!&;&;Beverly Daniel Tatum, author, Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations About Race, and president emerita, Spelman College "Park cuts through the many false narratives around affirmative action, presenting accessible, evidence-based arguments for why race still matters in higher education. A must-read for anyone interested in better understanding how race does, and more importantly does not, play out before and after students arrive to selective college campuses.&;&;Lorelle Espinosa, assistant vice president, American Council on Education  Julie J. Park is an associate professor of education at the University of Maryland, College Park. About the Author Julie J. Park is an associate professor of education at the University of Maryland, College Park.