Abstract This paper examines the history of affirmative action and contains detailed research explaining the sharp declines in higher education among varying minorities. The author also reviews the pros and cons of this hotly debated topic with extensive research and statistics.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Trends Revealed in Higher Education
College Enrollment
A Brief History of Affirmative Action
Threats to Affirmative Action
Making Affirmative Action Work
Associations and Organizations
Making It Work
Conclusions
Endnotes
References
From the Paper "In order for us to attain a truly Democratic Society, regardless of political persuasion as Senator Kennedy points out, all Americans shall need to be made aware of and participate in the programs of Affirmative Action and Diversity. We are indeed a nation made up of a "melting pot," of various cultures however we are still true to the founders of this nation and rather than classification into some "politically correct," group much rather prefer to be labeled as Americans from the United States of America. United indeed by our very diversity that we as a nation are finally after many, many years of struggle one "Great Society," as envisioned by former President Johnson and every one of his predecessors and successors to hold the high office of President of the United States of America."
Tags:affirmative, action, education, minorities, law, rights
Abstract This paper explains that the intention behind the affirmative action policy was positive in that its goal was to open doors and equalize opportunities between blacks and whites. The author points out the potentials scenario white Americans would face if affirmative action ceases. The paper relates the history of affirmative action and the litigation and trends toward reverse discrimination (Bakke v. California Board of Regents) and recent US Supreme Court rulings upholding affirmative action policies.
From the Paper "Affirmative Action as a "policy" was introduced in 1965 by then President Lyndon B. Johnson as a method of redressing discrimination that had persisted in spite of civil rights laws and constitutional guarantees. "This is the next and more profound stage of the battle for civil rights," Johnson asserted. "We seek... not just equality as a right and a theory, but equality as a fact and as a result." (Brunner) Given that the 1960's were a period of social unrest, along with attempts at righting perceived long-term wrongs against minorities. The intention behind the Affirmative Action policy was positive in that its goal was to open doors and equalize opportunities between blacks and whites."
Abstract This paper reviews the debate swirling around affirmative action. In particular, the paper argues that affirmative action contains more benefits than debits and that at least some of the arguments put forward in opposition to it can be successfully rebutted by the available evidence. Specifically, the paper reviews the commonplace criticisms that affirmative action diminishes professional standards and also exacerbates racist and/or sexist attitudes towards certain groups. The paper concludes that the reasons in support of affirmative action are plausible and convincingly supported by the literature.
From the Paper "For a very long time now, American society has been attempting to come up with a means of ensuring access to higher education and to lucrative jobs for minorities and for women. The most controversial of all the means used has been affirmative action, an approach which has increased the percentage of women and minorities in managerial and professional occupations ("Myth: Affirmative Action Hasn't Worked" n.d.) but has done so, critics charge, by placing people in positions for which they are ill-prepared and/or by discriminating against people simply on the basis of gender or race. Consequently, every failure by someone boosted into a position of authority by affirmative action may actually feed negative stereotypes about the group to which that individual belongs and lead to calls that merit is the greatest victim of affirmative action policies."
Abstract This essay defines and explains four types of affirmative action, ranging from mild to severe, discusses common opinions regarding AA, and examines philosophical arguments for and against AA The four sources quoted in the essay are all philosophers, and their positions and rationale on the issue of affirmative action are explained. At the end of the essay the author indicates her own position on the morality and justice of AA programs, coming out in favor of affirmative action.
From the Paper "One of the primary values of American society today is equal opportunity, and while there is still far to go true progress is occurring. Second, within a few years society will realize that the debate over weak and strong AA is simply diverting attention from the real issues: providing every child in America with the same quality education, health care services, and working to strengthen families."
Abstract This paper is a historical analysis of affirmative action in the United States. It covers the period from the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the leaders involved in the decision to pass this amendment to the Constitution, and the motivation behind this historic decision. It then compares the policies of more recent years, and shows how the intentions of the originators of this Act have been manipulated, and how the group that it was intended to benefit from these actions, are now suffering reverse discrimination.
From the paper:
"The Declaration of Independence states, "all men are created equal." Our Constitution is based on giving each citizen the same equal rights. However, policies have been implemented since 1961 to go against the words of the founding fathers of this country. Affirmative action is, by definition, "a policy or program for correcting the effects of discrimination in the employment or education of members of certain groups" or "encouragement for increased representation of women and minority-group members, especially in employment." Problems associated with affirmative action include reverse discrimination. Also, merit and accomplishments may be replaced by the requirement of a quota for a certain race or gender."
Abstract An examination of the affirmative action policy that was introduced in 1965 and has since been both praised and denounced as an answer to racial equality. According to the author, it was President Johnson who felt that it was an appropriate remedy to discrimination, which continued to plague the United States regardless of civil rights laws and constitutional pledges and who therefore introduced the affirmative action policy as a temporary remedy that would end when a "level playing field" was created for all Americans.
From the Paper "Affirmative action has increasingly become a popular subject of debate. Not only does the phrase "affirmative action" mean different things to different people, but also there are different arguments for and against it. The most controversial kind of affirmative action includes some sort of "preference" for black Americans when applying for jobs or to colleges and professional schools. Affirmative action means different things; and the arguments vary. It is not even clear what counts as a preference. Many people want to keep it as it is, saying that it is necessary for democracy. Others support affirmative action but see it as a flawed remedy in need of change. A third group believes that a fair playing field has been established and is pushing for the elimination of affirmative action policies."
Tags:affirmative, action, equality, employment, discrimination, employer, United, States
Abstract The following brief discussion considers the two sides of this issue. Initially, my support for affirmative action is outlined. Subsequently, the body of the paper considers responses to my position. A conclusion reiterates support for affirmative action in light of the arguments against it.
Abstract This paper addresses all of these issues in order to determine how and why Affirmative Action policies impact the workforce and the potentially positive and negative impact that Affirmative Action can have within the working environment.
From the Paper This paper addresses all of these issues in order to determine how and why Affirmative Action policies impact the workforce and the potentially positive and negative impact that Affirmative Action can have within the working environment.
Tags: BUSINESS / MANAGEMENT, LEADERSHIP, HUMAN RESOURCES, affirmative action hiring
Abstract This paper discusses the pro's and con's of affirmative action, particularly with regard to employment and education. It discusses the purpose of Affirmative Action, and issues of discrimination and reverse discrimination.
From the Paper "Affirmative Action purports to be a method for achieving equal employment opportunity for minorities normally discriminated against in hiring based on race ethnicity gender or other exclusionary criteria..."
Tags:Affirmative Action, pro's and con's, employment, education
Abstract This paper discusses and examines affirmative action at AT&T and Pasadena (California) City Council. It focuses on the ethical challenges both organizations face with regard to their affirmative action practices and its compliance with the law. The author explores hiring and promotion issues.
From the Paper "In any discussion on affirmative action and its challenging effects on business and government the two key words are discrimination and justice. The root of the word discrimination comes from 'discrete' from the Latin meaning to sift apart ..."
Tags: AT&T, Pasadena City Council, Challenges, Affirmative Action
Abstract This paper discusses the analysis of affirmative action needs and plans for a hypothetical company. The policy tools that are needed to promote the equal opportunity of women and minorities are discussed. The paper presents a series of recommendations.
From the Paper "Affirmative action and other policy tools that are aimed at promoting the equal employment of women and minorities have received a great deal of attention in recent years ..."
Abstract This paper discusses affirmative action policy and its evolution from its beginnings in the 1960s to today. The paper discusses the implications of the Civil Rights Act (CRA) of 1964 and looks at how the original purpose of the CRA for African-Americans has expanded to include rights for women.
From the Paper "The Civil Rights Act (CRA) formally ended racial and gender discrimination by any entity doing business with or receiving money from the federal government. Nearly all institutions of higher education receive federal funding in some form so the Civil Rights act had an immediate effect on admissions policies and student recruitment as universities endeavored to comply with the law. Most universities had actually stopped practicing overt racial discrimination prior to passage of the CRA. The landmark Brown v Board of Education case outlawed racial discrimination in public..."
Abstract This paper discusses affirmative action in the workplace and in education, generally taking a favorable stand. The paper includes the critical role played by diversity programs. The paper also incorporates a discussion of Prop. 209 in California and provides copies of sources.
From the Paper "In recent years affirmative action has come under increased scrutiny when applied to university applicants. A recent Supreme Court decision was hailed as a victory by both sides of the affirmative action issue, for example. In the workplace diversity, but not necessarily affirmative action, has evolved to be seen as highly desirable in many organizations, giving companies an edge in the market and enriching the creativity of the workforce."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the concept of affirmative action, a legislative process that is intended to compensate for centuries of historical discrimination by attempting to re-balance the odds. Unfortunately, according to this paper, this in itself, is possibly discriminatory.
From the Paper "Has affirmative action outlived its usefulness in modern society? For that matter, was affirmative action ever useful in the first place? As an institutional practice, affirmative action has been fraught with controversy since its inception. As an ideal, it was conceived to provide proactive solutions to the problem of discrimination, particularly in the United States. In theory, that sounds likes a good idea. Why wait for discrimination to rear its unpleasant head? Why not deal with the problem before it becomes one? That's the theory, at least. In practice, the implementation of affirmative action is murkier. Affirmative action is, by definition, any legislative policy that works to redress historical discrimination by taking a proactive stance towards an uneven playing field (Schwindt et al). I would argue that such proactive measures are themselves discriminatory."
Abstract This paper distinguishes between two forms of affirmative action policies, the goal-based affirmative action and process-based affirmative action. This paper argues that most people who protest against affirmative action are actually against goals-based affirmative action. This paper further argues that a greater emphasis on process-oriented affirmative action policies will more effectively address the concerns of both sides of the affirmative action debate.
From the Paper "Critics decry race-based admissions policies as an undermining of the merit-based system. However, Jesse Jackson points out the effects of race and socio-economic class in the academic performance of many minority children. Jackson argues that unlike affluent white, many minority students from low-income families do not access to resources like honors classes and SAT preparation courses. Also, the fact that many have to work after school to augment the family income places minority students at a distinct disadvantage at the college applications process (Jackson 290)."
