Affirmative Action Revisited

Few issues seem able to polarise the nation as easily as affirmative action. The question of how, even whether, to rectify past discrimination in jobs, schools, and law against women and minorities is a perpetually vexing one. While some call for a quota system to set minimum percentages and numbers for minority positions, others say qualifications should take precedence over race when hiring an employee, admitting a student, or enforcing a law. Civil rights groups claim that specific quotas are often the only way to make up for systemic racism; those opposing such actions cite ‘reverse racism’ affecting whites. Recent federal, state, and local cases have challenged several affirmative action programs, particularly those involving school admissions. Decisions in Texas and Michigan, for example have struck down the use of racial standards in choosing which applicants to admit to universities. Bills have been introduced to eliminate affirmative action programs in many state legislatures, though there are some who want to ‘mend, not end’ affirmative action. Because this most crucial issue of race relations shows no signs of disappearing, the analysis in this book takes on added importance. Taking a look at affirmative action from a legal standpoint, the book addresses and assesses the history, current status, and future of affirmative action initiatives and programs. Such a study is much-needed in gathering information about a raging national debate.