Figure 1. Employment at public universities by gender, 1993

Affirmative 'action'?

Affirmative action has become a controversial topic in Illinois, as it has nationally, with a proposal by state Sen. Walter Dudycz, a Chicago Republican, to eliminate preferences based on race, gender or disabilities in state employment decisions, contracts and college admissions. Dudycz heads a Senate subcommittee that held hearings over the summer to determine the impact and value of affirmative action.

According to a report by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, females dominate lower echelon positions at public universities, while males dominate executive and faculty employment.

Minority enrollments in public universities have increased since 1980, although only modestly, according to Board of Higher Education statistics.

Brian Lee

Figure 2. Minority enrollment in Illinois public universities, 1980-1993

36/ October 1995/Illinois Issues