The civil rights laws are discussed in this speech as they relate to higher education and equal opportunities for minorities. Some of the activity of the Department of Justice in the area of higher education is related along with some of the current legal issues before the courts in the area of higher education. These are discussed in terms of cases such as Adams v. Richardson, Geier v. Blanton, Griggs v. Duke Power, Washington v. Davis, United States v. Hazelwood School District, and Franks v. Bowman. Focus is on problem areas in employment discrimination, remediation, and affirmative action. The role of the Black Council on Higher Education is also considered. (LBH)