New Focus on Affirmative Action

Ballot Measures Add to Debate on Continuation of Programs

By Elizabeth Williamson and Valerie Strauss

Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, November 17, 2006; Page A23

The number of minorities -- particularly black Americans -- winning government contracts and being admitted to public colleges and universities in California has dwindled since a ballot measure was passed 10 years ago outlawing preferential treatment for minorities in those areas, according to a study released yesterday.

The report comes as the longtime controversy over affirmative action is gaining new attention. Michigan voters last week adopted a constitutional amendment essentially taking the same action as California, and the American Bar Association is facing criticism from some groups for strengthening its diversity requirements for accreditation of law schools.