Disparity Studies as Evidence of Discrimination in Federal Contracting. A Briefing Before the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Held in Washington, DC. on December 16, 2005

摘要

The Commission conducted a briefing to gather facts so that it could better evaluate the methodological and empirical strength and quality of the seminal efforts and subsequent disparity studies, which in part form the foundation of affirmative action in federal contracting. Among objectives, the Commission sought to examine whether the foundation is sound and, if not, how researchers can improve the quality of evidence which studies offer. The panelists discussed the continuing need to conduct and improve disparity studies because the existing research relies on data which are now a decade or more old. The discussants referred to state and local disparity studies and the key national compilations of information mentioned above in articulating appropriate social science standards for new research.