Welner, Kevin G.
Researchers: Kevin G. Welner
University Affiliation: University of Colorado, Boulder
Email: kevin.welner@colorado.edu
Research Question:
Examines the legality of K-12 race-conscious student assignment policies
Published: 1
Journal Name or Institutional Affiliation: Review of Educational Research
Journal Entry: Vol. 76, No. 3, pp. 349-382
Year: 2006
Findings:
- This article applies social science research to K-12 race-conscious student assignment policy and explores the legality of these policies in light of the Supreme Court decisions concerning affirmative action in higher education.
- Review of the literature on the benefits of diverse school environments.
- This research is the empirical foundation for court decisions in favor of school districts’ use of RCSAPs.
- Most powerful research is that which is conducted using data from the school district being considered by the court.
- Grutter lends legal support to the use of RCSAPs in K-12.
- Three courts considered RCSAPs in light of Grutter (Comfort 2005, McFarland 2005, and PICS 2005). K-12 context differs from higher ed context. Different interests have different evidentiary implications and these contextual differences are important for future policies and for litigation.