ABSTRACT
This chapter examines reactions to the emergence and implementation of affirmative action programs. Although affirmative action plans and policies have been controversial in both government and industry, the most vociferous support and opposition have both been generated and continued within higher education. One of the most heated controversies has arisen over goals, timetables, and quotas, particularly in the area of employment. One group in the debates is comprised of those who equate affirmative action goals, timetables, and utilization indices with "quotas." Not only is there little interest in differentiation between quotas and goals, but quotas may also be used interchangeably with affirmative action and the latter rejected summarily. According to critics of affirmative action, one reason why quotas—or even goals—are seen as unfair is because of the view that by this means women and minorities are being given unnecessary preferential treatment in hiring, promotions, or admissions as students in higher education.
