Impact of affirmative action

Impact of affirmative action

Introduction

For more than a quarter century, controversy about affirmative action has tormented American politics. It still arouses intense passions, spawns litigation, and frustrates public dialogue. Some commentators explain the fierceness of the debate by noting the conflicting interests of groups competing for a limited number of coveted jobs and educational opportunities. Others point to the symbolic importance that affirmative action has assumed for each side in the debate. (Heilman, M. E., Simon, M. C., & Repper, 2000)

"Proponents regard the continuation of affirmative action as a litmus test of our nation's commitment to racial justice," Glenn Loury has written. "Opponents see it as an unacceptable violation of the ideal of equality of opportunity, and the principle that government should treat its citizens in a color-blind fashion." Both these ways of framing the issue, Loury suggests, are "mired in confusion." And both have at times preempted a broader discussion of strategies to address the problem of racial inequality. (Heilman, M. E., Simon, M. C., & Repper, 2000)

In two lawsuits challenging University of Michigan admissions policies, the court ruled 5-4 in favor of the Law School and, by a vote of 6-3, reversed, in part, the University's undergraduate policy, while still allowing for the consideration of race in admissions. (Heilman, M. E., Simon, M. C., & Repper, 2000) This paper examines the impact of affirmative action policies on the admission of African students in colleges and universities.

Thesis

Has Affirmative Action policies benefited African American students?

Background

In the USA, affirmative action policies take gender, race, or ethnicity into account so as to endorse equal opportunity and enhance ethnic diversity in schools and workplaces. The center of such policies ranges from employment and public contracting goals, to educational outreach and health programs. The momentum towards affirmative action is double: to redress perceived disadvantages due to overt, institutional, or involuntary discrimination, and to maximize diversity and its presumed benefits in all levels of society.

Discussion

U-M President Mary Sue Coleman responded to news of the court's decision: “This is a tremendous victory for the University of Michigan, for all of higher education, and for the hundreds of groups and individuals who supported us,” Coleman said. “A majority of the court has firmly endorsed the principle of diversity articulated by Justice Powell in the Bakke decision. This is a resounding affirmation that will be heard across the land—from our college classrooms to our corporate boardrooms. (Heilman, M. E., Simon, M. C., & Repper, 2000)

“The court has provided two important signals. The first is a green light to pursue diversity in the college classroom. The second is a road map to get us there. We will modify our undergraduate system to comply with today's ruling, but make no mistake: We will find the route that continues our commitment to a richly diverse student body. I believe these rulings in support of affirmative action will go down in history as among the great landmark decisions of the Supreme Court. And I am proud of the ...