The central theme of the papers presented in this symposium is that the labor market for minorities and youth does not appear to function properly because of structural impediments (often caused by government regulations meant to help minorities) and that these impediments must be identified and effective remedies proposed. Following an introduction by James T. Bennett, Ann Wortham's paper considers the role of discrimination and the conflicts created when discrimination is addressed by legislative fiat; a comment by Paul H. Rubin follows. Then, William A. Keyes focuses on the minimum wage and on the Davis-Bacon Act and how its provisions limit employment opportunities; the Keyes paper is followed by comments from Walter E. Williams and James E. Pearce. Wendell Wilkie Gunn surveys a variety of techniques used by government to regulate public sector employment which have a particularly onerous effect on minority employment; this paper is commented upon by James R. Barth and Thomas J. DiLorenzo. Finally, Clarence Thomas discusses the role of human capital generated in the educational process as an important determinant of employment opportunities; John Raisian and Dan C. Heldman comment on the final paper. (CMG)