Sarah Daniels (Sarah Jessica Parker) has barely settled into her new job as Dean of Students at a small elite college when a series of hate crimes throws her world into turmoil. Because of Sarah's experience at an inner-city school, the investigation becomes her responsibility. She calls the police, only to find her every decision challenged by Dean Catherine Kenney (Miranda Richardson) and President Winston Garvey (James Rebhorn), who are more concerned with maintaining the school's image than solving the case.

An anonymous call brings investigative reporter Aaron Carmichael (Mykelti Williamson) to the campus and Sarah is ordered to be his escort in order to prevent negative publicity. Against Sarah's advice, Professor Burton Strauss (Beau Bridges) holds a "Forum on Race" which turns into a riot and Sarah is forced to watch as the situation spins out of control.