Affirmative Action in the U.S.A.

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the controversial issue of affirmative action by identifying the origin of affirmative action programs in the United States. The paper also looks at the U.S. Supreme Court's views of this debate, and how it relates to education. The paper then explains the myths and facts that commonly surround the affirmative action program to help give a better understanding of both sides of the controversy surrounding affirmative action programs. The writer points out the critics of affirmative action programs often claim that it causes employers to hire less qualified and productive workers, resulting in inefficiencies in the workplace and negative effects on the more qualified minorities. The writer also provides his assessment of this issue within the scope of his research. The writer believes that is imperative that society continues to support efforts toward the betterment of the national education system and maintain working environments that facilitate cohesiveness among its respective members in the local communities.

From the Paper:

"The United States Supreme Court has ruled on cases concerning the Affirmative Action Programs. Decisions have varied and the consensus has not always been considered stable. The rulings have ranged from overturning a quota or race-based entry to medical school (Igwebuike, 189-190), to upholding a case involving preferential hiring of minorities by a private employer. In general, the Court has allowed the use of such programs based on race or gender in cases involving hiring, promotion, and admissions. "The Court reasoned that exposure to underrepresented minorities in an educational environment could better prepare students for "an increasingly diverse workforce and society, and better prepare them as professionals." "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brest, Paul & Oshige, M. (1995, March). Affirmative Action for Whom? Stanford Law Review, Vol. 47, No. 5, 855-900. Retrieved April 19, 2008, from EBSCOhost Database.
• Fobanjong, J. (2001 ). Understanding the Backlash of Affirmative Action. Nova Publishing. Retrieved April 27, 2008, from Academic Search Premier Database.
• Francis, A., & McDonald, I. (2006, March). Preferential Treatment, Social Justice, and the Part-time Law Student - The Case for the Value-added Part-time Law Degree. Journal of Law & Society, 33(1), 92-108. Retrieved April 27, 2008, from EBSCOhost Database.
• Holzer, H.J., and Neumark, D. (2000). "What Does Affirmative Action Do?" Industrial and Labor Relations Review 53: 240-271. Retrieved April 19, 2008, from Academic Search Premier Database.
• Igwebuike, J. (2006, Fall/Winter2006). Legal and Policy Implications for Faculty Diversification in Higher Education. Negro Educational Review, 57(3/4), 189-201. Retrieved April 27, 2008, from Academic Search Premier Database.

More papers on Affirmative Action in the U.S.A.:

• Analytical Essay # 8244 : "Affirmative Action in Higher Education"
• Argumentative Essay # 91237 : "Affirmative Action and the United States Constitution"
• Persuasive Essay # 54750 : "Affirmative Action"

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