The Nation - News from June 14, 1987

By better than a 2-to-1 ratio, the American people disagree with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling that employers may give preferential job treatment to women and members of minority groups to achieve better balance in their work forces. The court decided for the first time to give women job preference over men. In a recent Gallup Poll, disapproval of the court’s ruling heavily outweighs approval, 63% to 29%. Majorities in all population groups disagree with the decision, with the exceptions of blacks and Latinos. The court ruling was viewed as a victory by liberally oriented women’s and civil rights groups.