Professors are also divided about the degree towhich affirmative action closes gender and racegaps in society.

Former Harvard President Derek Bok recentlyco-authored a book titled The Shape of theRiver: Long-Term Consequences of Considering Racein College and University Admissions.

The book argues that affirmative action hascreated the backbone of the black middle class inAmerica.

"We don't have much doubt in our minds thatthese policies have turned out to be eminentlyworthwhile to universities, for students, and forsociety as a whole," he told an audience at theHasty Pudding Theater in September.

But Thernstrom said Bok neglects to take intoaccount other ways to interpret his data.

The fact that college-educated blacks are moresuccessful after college may be a result of theirbackgrounds, Thernstrom said, noting that mostblack college students have parents who also wentto college.

College-educated blacks may also achievesuccess because they benefit from more affirmativeaction programs after graduation, when they applyto graduate schools or jobs, Thernstrom added.

A Middle Ground

But as much as professors are polarized, manysaid they would be willing to find some middleground.

Mansfield said he would accept making twoconcessions to supporters of affirmativeaction--that it be voluntary and that if itexists, it should be restricted to blacks.

"[Blacks] have a special claim which others donot have," he said.

Likewise, Nathan Glazer, professor emeritus ofeducation and social structure, said he supportsthe use of affirmative action policies inuniversities--but not in the workplace.

"I think affirmative action in colleges anduniversities is the most acceptable," he said,adding that minority-hiring programs can lead toinefficiency in the workplace.

An Ongoing Debate

Professors disagreed not only about the issueitself--but also about whether or not a referendumis the appropriate venue in which to debate it.

Keith J. Bybee, assistant professor ofgovernment, said the discussion about affirmativeaction should be held on the floor ofCongress--not the voting booth.

"Part of the problem is that we haven't reallyseen a national debate in our politicalinstitutions," said Bybee, who is teachingGovernment 90we: "Law and Politics of AffirmativeAction" this semester.

But Mansfield disagreed, saying "it's onlyright that conservatives get to use [referendums]too."

"Finally," he said, the controversial issue is"being taken to the people directly.