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. 1999 Aug;89(8):1256–1261. doi: 10.2105/ajph.89.8.1256

Defending diversity: affirmative action and medical education.

K DeVille 1
PMCID: PMC1508677  PMID: 10432920

Abstract

Affirmative action programs of all types are under attack legally and politically. Although medical schools have not been specifically targeted, their affirmative action programs, like others in higher education, are potentially in danger. This article examines the current legal status of affirmative action in medical education and concludes that a refurbished defense of such programs is essential if they are to survive impending judicial and political scrutiny. An analysis of existing case law and available evidence suggests that a carefully reinvigorated diversity argument is the tactic most likely to pass constitutional muster, as well as the justification most likely to blunt growing public and political opposition to admissions policies that take race and ethnicity into consideration.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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