The Issue of Affirmative Action

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the program known as affirmative action and the controversy it has engendered and asserts that with the proper implementation, affirmative action can be an extremely effective channel to providing access to education and employment for America's racially disadvantaged. The paper makes it clear, however, that under poor leadership, it can have the impact of damaging the cause for equality. The paper therefore concludes with the view that it remains the task of the federal government to stimulate a policy balance that relies less heavily on quotas and more directly on efforts to connect with underprivileged communities, schools and demographics as a means of stimulating recruitment potential.

From the Paper:

"Education is justifiably regarded by politicians, activists and policy-makers as the access point to employment, social mobility and economic independence. Due to the firmly entrenched history of racial imbalance which has forged the United States of present day, education and its associated prospects have long been made available to white men with a degree of exclusivity that has severely handicapped the opportunities available to demographics such as African and Hispanic Americans. Indeed, categorized under the umbrella misnomer 'minority,' these groups are not simply detained in their access to quality education, but often are steeped in cultural and economic conditions which do not encourage the pursuit of education at all."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brunner, Borgna. (2004). Timeline of Affirmative Action Milestones. Black History Month. Ret. 5/4/08 http://www.infoplease.com/spot/affirmativetimeline1.html
• Cosner, Kristal L. (1997). Affirmative Action in Higher Education: Lessons and Directions from the Supreme Court. Journal of Law: Indiana University. Ret. 5/4/08 http://www.law.indiana.edu/ilj/v71/no4/cosner.html
• Fernandez, Jennifer. (May 22, 2005). Confronting Racism through Workshops. News Record. Ret. 5/4/08 <http://www.news record.com/news/education/crossroads052205.htm>
• Froomkin, Dan. (1998). Affirmative Action Under Attack. Washington Post. Ret. 5/4/08 <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wpsrv/politics/special/affirm/affirm.htm>

More papers on The Issue of Affirmative Action:

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• Analytical Essay # 149007 : "The Concept of Affirmative Action"
• Analytical Essay # 69384 : "Pro's and Con's of Affirmative Action"

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