Rethinking affirmative action

According to the latest data available, Latino students such as Araque account for 27 percent of the California State University's systemwide enrollment. At University of California campuses, figures are lower. Black students, meanwhile, make up even smaller percentages of the student body within both systems.

In an effort that he believes will boost minority participation in higher education, Southern California Assemblyman Ed Hernandez, D-West Covina, has proposed legislation that would amend the state constitution to free public colleges and universities from the limitations of the state's 13-year-old anti-affirmative action law.

The challenge of sending more minorities to college is multifaceted, especially locally.