Minorities have been purposely suppressed in American history – it would seem to make sense that we give them funding and opportunities for education mostly known to the privileged.
Affirmative action, intends on providing admission and financial aid to students based on racial identity. While affirmative action is good in theory, it prevents other underprivileged students, who may not be minorities from getting certain scholarship money.
But what about the non-minority students that aid is rerouted away from? Abagail Fisher, an otherwise adequate student, says she was not admitted to the University of Texas because she is caucasian. Her lawsuit against them, Fisher v. the University of Texas, is being reviewed by the Supreme Court.
The question of affirmative action’s intent raises all too many questions. Can we justify selective admission and scholarships specifically for gays, lesbians, women and minority racial groups? And while embracing diversity is important, can we consider these boundaries progressive for a more tolerant society?
President Obama argued that “we should take into account white kids who have been disadvantaged and have grown up in poverty and shown themselves to have what it takes to succeed.”.
Using his logic and a shift in focus to economic status, affirmative action could potentially die out.
Whether it benefits the university or decreases diversity is unknown.
