Affirmative action and hiring practices in Higher Education

The purpose of this research was to provide data on what is actually happening in hiring practices in higher education to reflect affirmative action. It attempted to find out if there were qualified minority and female candidates available, if these candidates were seriously considered for employment, and whether they were actually hired. Data were collected from 191 institutions which has placed vacancy notices in The Chronicle of Higher Education. While there are some limitations to the study, the findings indicate that there are qualified minority and female candidates available. Further, in terms of percentages employed, members of minority groups are making progess toward employment and females are making even greater progress. White males, however, are not “closed out” in the hiring process. Therefore, it would appear that hiring practices in higher education are reflecting affirmative action.