The language and rhetoric of affirmative action: a structural topic model analysis of supreme court amicus briefs

• Main Author: Young, Ryan Lewis
• Other Authors: Barnhardt, Cassie L.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of Iowa 2019
• Subjects: Affirmative Action; Amici; Brief; Fisher; Educational Administration and Supervision
• Online Access: https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/7050; https://ir.uiowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8551&context=etd

Using a structural topic model text analysis approach in a mixed methods framework, these studies seek to better understand the language, rhetoric, and rationales amici curiae employ to defend or deride affirmative action in cases before the Supreme Court. Through a better understanding of the content and framing of these briefs, the next time an affirmative action case is before the court a larger, more articulate, and more united network of advocates from the higher education sector and beyond will be better position to have their voices heard.