This paper discusses some basic constitutional and statutory principles related to affirmative action and reverse discrimination in employment of educational personnel. The specifications of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, other statutes and regulations, and selected Supreme Court cases are outlined, as well as their implications for employment practices. A conclusion is that remedies for intentional and unintentional discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities may pose problems. Preferential programs may only reinforce common stereotypes, which hold that certain groups are unable to achieve success without special protection based on a factor having no relationship to individual worth. (LMI)