The historic Plessy vs. Ferguson decision is reviewed along with the 14th Amendment on which the decision was based. The Brown case is discussed. The issues and implications in the Bakke case are also elucidated. (Author/AM)

Suggests that the importance of the Bakke case lies in the fact that it could act as a catalytic agent that would force social theoreticians, especially black ones, to face to an important question: what is the role of racism in the U.S. political economy? (Author/AM)

Suggests that Bakke was not rejected because he was white or because of a minority program, but rather because he was not highly qualified and in addition possibly because of his age. (Author/AM)

This article cites statistics and documentation from a book entitled "The Case for Affirmative Action for Blacks in Higher Education," to illustrate the argument that affirmative action is not only legal, but absolutely essential. (Author/EB)

Concludes that beyond any judicial fiat, affirmative action is a simple moral and political imperative, with its justifications deeply rooted in history. (Author/AM)