Introduction

Throughout its history, the United States has struggled with the inevitable tensions of a highly diverse society. With the opening of higher education to women, ethnic minorities, and members of other previously marginalized groups, these tensions are now visited most especially upon our nation's colleges and universities.

Controversial Issues

This collection addresses the most controversial issues now troubling our campuses: the content of the curriculum, sexual harassment and date rape, hate speech v. free speech, and affirmative action.

Fundamental Issues

In addition, several contributions probe the fundamental issues underlying the more specific problems of the “politics of difference.”

Disciplinary Perspectives

The contributions to this volume represent a wide range of disciplines - including philosophy, history, literary theory, law, economics, and politics - as well as views from across the political spectrum.

Arrangement and Approach

Readers will find both familiar essays and new ones, arranged so that the authors speak directly to one another, thus providing a genuine conversation.