"The historical evidence suggests that institutions do have some power to modify some of these outcomes," Professor Levy said.

In fact, as Professor Levy points out, the numbers hide more serious causes for concern.

Professor Levy has also had a varied and international consulting career.

"The market for college-grad jobs over the last four years has been expanding," Professor Levy said.

But Professor Levy was capable of changing his mind.

Professor Levy beat a forthright retreat from some but hardly all of his earlier conclusions.

Indeed, Professor Levy disdained judges on the right and the left who molded history to their advantage.

Professor Levy, it may be important to say, was not a lawyer.

In his own music, Professor Levy drew from 12-tone systems and jazz.

Professor Levy is right, in a sense.