Laham analyzes perhaps the most politically controversial element of Reagan's conservative agenda, involving his attempt to curtail federal enforcement of civil rights laws. The book focuses on the major initiatives Reagan pursued in his attempt to curb enforcement of those laws: first, his efforts to reform affirmative action by prohibiting mandatory employer use of minority and white female hiring goals, and second, his veto of the Civil Rights Restoration Act.Reagan's academic critics argue that the president was politically motivated in his efforts to curtail federal enforcement of civil rights laws by his desire to appeal for the support of working-class whites, many of whom harbor racial resentments against minorities. Reagan's historical reputation suffers from his attempt to curb enforcement of those laws, which has fostered charges by his critics that he was cynical and manipulative, though outwardly pleasant and likable; a president who shamelessley played the race card for his own political gain. Laham challenges the conventional notion that Reagan was an ardent practitioner of the politics of racial division. Rather, he argues that Reagan's civil rights policy was determined by his philosophical commitment to colorblind justice and limited government, two core principles of his conservative agenda. This is a controversial survey important to students and scholars of contemporary American politics, public policy, and race relations.

Argues that Reagan's civil rights policy was determined by legitimate philosophical considerations, rather than crass political motivations.

PrefaceRonald Reagan and the Politics of RaceThe Politics of Affirmative Action during the Reagan AdministrationThe Reagan Adminstration Considers Reforms in Affirmative ActionThe Political Backlash against Reagan's Efforts to Reform Affirmative ActionReagan's Commitment to Colorblind LawConservative Interest Groups Mobilize against Affirmative ActionWhy Reagan Failed to Reform Affirmative ActionThe Politics of the Grove City Decision and the Civil Rights Restoration ActThe Battle over the Civil Rights Restoration Act BeginsCongress Passes the Civil Rights Restoration ActCongress Overrides Reagan's Veto of the Civil Rights Restoration ActRonald Reagan: Playing the Race Card or Pursuing Colorblind Justice and Limited Government?Ronald Reagan: Practitioner of the Politics of Racial Division or Advocate of Colorblind Justice and Limited Government?NotesSelected BibliographyIndex