CALIFORNIA VS. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

California Governor and Republican presidential hopeful Pete Wilsonwill put into action his party'scriticisms of affirmative action programsthis week by signing an executive order ending all preferential policies regarding jobs under the governor's jurisdiction. "We plan to make it clear affirmative action is no longer the standard; the standard is merit," said Wilson aide Leslie Goodman. The actual number of jobs affected, notesTIME Los Angeles Bureau Chief Jordan Bonfante, is quite limited. Wilson's order will only affect certain positions under his direct authority, though they will be scattered through 40 programs and 200 volunteer advisory boards. "Wilson's order," says Bonfante, "is primarily a symbolic expression of his own views" regarding federal policies. With the presidential race heating up, Wilson may succeed at making affirmative action a focal point.