Using the arguments below, offer an informed response the following question: “Do you believe that Affirmative Action policies should stay in place within the realms of employment and education? Why or why not?” Be sure to integrate the Bakke case into your write-up.
Arguments for Race-Based Affirmative Action1
• The only way to offset the disadvantages faced by minorities—historical or otherwise—is to even out the playing field.
• Past discrimination has been passed on from generation to generation, so the effects of discrimination can linger for decades or centuries.
• Discrimination also inflicts a psychological toll on its victims and their descendants. Many blacks and minorities today know their parents and grandparents were subjected to severe racial discrimination and discrimination continues today. Some question whether they really have a ‘fair shot” at the American Dream. Race-based affirmative action is necessary to counteract these harmful effects.
• Race-based affirmative action is good for society as a whole. Diversity in America’s schools improves learning opportunities because students are exposed to a wider range of ideas and perspectives and therefore challenged to expand their knowledge.
• More diverse organizations make better decisions, perhaps because they are forced to consider a wider variety of options when making decisions.
• Because the United States is so much more diverse than other nations, it is important to make sure that each group interacts with and understands other groups, to create a strong and cohesive citizenry.
• Affirmative action promotes diversity which addresses legal and moral of past discrimination.
• Diversity does not imply favor toward any particular group. All groups benefit from the diversity of perspectives and experiences.
• Diversity is common in the business world, where workforce diversity is a prerequisite for servicing a diverse base of customers.