Two-year colleges are often the most financially, geographically, and academically accessible means of higher education for ethnic minorities and women. This book examines five types of two-year special focus schools.

This book focuses upon approximately 250 nonprofit, two-year colleges with a student body that is entirely female or at least 25 percent black, Hispanic, or Native American. These special-focus colleges include two-year colleges, historically black colleges (HBC's), Hispanic-serving institutions (HIS's) and tribal colleges, with some of these schools being church-affiliated. Many of these schools serve as shining examples of how a genuine commitment to access and achievement for female students of color can enhance these students' academic success.

Within the context of the history of educational discrimination and related social movements in the United States, this book examines the underrepresentation of women and of racial and ethnic minorities in community college leadership. Chapter 1, "Finding Equality in Egalitarian Educational Institutions," presents the premise of the book, that community colleges have not met their responsibilities to these underrepresented groups. In chapter 2, "Confronting the Language of Diversity," the debates concerning equality and inequality, the meaning of justice, the critical role of culture, and American democracy and pluralism are explored. Chapter 3, "Women: Expression and Experience in Academic Literature," looks at the historical and philosophical premises upon which the "woman question" rests, and reviews recent findings concerning the role of women in education and leadership. In chapter 4, "Minorities: Expression and Experience in Academic Literature," the dilemmas and controversies surrounding racial and ethnic equality are scrutinized, drawing on the legal and educational histories of minority groups. Chapter 5, "Affirmative Action: Then and Now," examines the issues and politics of social movements and their challenges to the status quo. In chapter 6, "Inclusionary Practices: Highlighting Exemplary Programs," the achievements of several organizations, programs, and policies now existing throughout the United States are discussed. Chapter 7, "What the Leaders Are Saying: The Voices of Diversity," presents the views of community college leaders from underrepresented groups. Finally, chapter 8, "Getting There from Where You Are: Increasing Representation and Recognition," provides a timeline and strategies for transforming community colleges. (JMC)