Affirmative Action

Affirmative Action examines the larger structure of institutional white privilege in education, and compares the magnitude of white racial preference with the policies typically envisioned when the term "racial preference" is used. In doing so, the book demonstrates that the American system of education is both a reflection of and a contributor to a structure of institutionalized racism and racial preference for the dominant majority.

"Wise's insightful defense of affirmative action flips the script on the so-called 'racial preference' debate. Not only does he respond effectively to the deceptive arguments of the right, but he also proves beyond question that every day is affirmative action day for the dominant group in America. Until that reality is altered, we must fight the ongoing assault on civil rights and equity measures. This book will make that effort much easier." -- Kimberlé Crenshaw, Professor, Columbia University School of Law and UCLA Law School; Executive Director, African American Policy Forum"In my judgment Tim Wise is the very best of the white anti-racism writers and commentators working in the U.S. media today... He writes in such an interesting and readable way, and yet backs up what he says with data and evidence. This is what is so impressive about his work." -- Joe R. Feagin, Ella C. McFadden Professor of Sociology, Texas A&M University"Tim Wise is one of the most brilliant, articulate, and courageous critics of white privilege in the nation. His considerable rhetorical skills, his fluid literary gifts and his relentless search for the truth make him a critical ally in the fight against racism and a true soldier in the war for social justice." -- Michael Eric Dyson, Professor of African-American and Religious Studies, University of Pennsylvania

Tim J. Wise is the Race and Ethnicity Editor for LIP magazine. He speaks, writes, and advocates across the country to dismantle racism.