Affirmative Action in Education

Paper Summary:

The paper argues that affirmative action is more necessary at schools that practice legacy admissions to ensure a diverse student body and to help create a more egalitarian society. The paper contends that legacy admissions further entrench the financially and culturally elite in positions of power. The paper suggests possible ways of mediating the needs of Ivy League universities with the needs of disenfranchised students. The paper concludes with the strong belief that affirmative action remains necessary in a nation that still suffers from one of the largest income disparities of any developed country.

From the Paper:

"Oxford and Cambridge Universities, inarguably among the most prestigious universities in the world, outmoded legacy admissions even though doing so meant accepting revenue losses. Legacy admissions remain a cherished part of the Ivy League university system in America, though, revealing an ironic scenario. Suddenly the United States appears the more class-oriented, elitist society versus Great Britain. American independence was fought partially over the pull toward increased egalitarianism in society. In spite of the ideals that still characterize American culture: individual opportunity and the American Dream, our culture clings to outmoded practices that perpetuate income disparity and class conflict."

Sample of Sources Used:

• American Council on Education (2002). What Leaders are Saying about Affirmative Action and Diversity. Retrieved June 18, 2008 from http://www.acenet.edu/bookstore/descriptions/making_the_case/works/leaders.cfm
• Bradley, R. (2006). Children of Alumni Check Here. Review of: The Price of Admission: How America's Ruling Class Buys Its Way Into Elite Colleges -- and Who Gets Left Outside the Gates. The New York Sun. Sept 21, 2006. Retrieved June 19, 2008 from http://www.nysun.com/arts/children-of-alumni-check-here/40127/
• Fiss, O. (1997). Liberalism Divided: Freedom of Speech and the Many Uses of State Power. Retrieved June 19, 2008 from http://books.google.com/books?id=VJLP13ylC2YC&pg=PA36&lpg=PA36&dq=group+disadvantaging+principle&source=web&ots=zriUKOVo6L&sig=77UeAOTb2E4K2lp6X3bunFs30TQ&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=9&ct=result#PPA36,M1
• Katie (2005). Legacy Admissions. A Constrained Vision (blog). Retrieved June 19, 2008 from http://aconstrainedvision.blogspot.com/2005/03/legacy-admissions.html
• Porter, J.D. (2007). Legacy Admissions are Stupid. Columbia Spectator: Online Edition. Sept 14, 2007. Retrieved June 19, 2008 from http://www.columbiaspectator.com/node/26636

More papers on Affirmative Action in Education:

• Argumentative Essay # 60923 : "Affirmative Action in Education and at Work"
• Argumentative Essay # 84263 : "Affirmative Action in Higher Education "
• Persuasive Essay # 109623 : "Affirmative Action in College Admissions"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: