Racial Equity in College Admissions Policies

Opening long-closed doors, affirmative action builds bridges across historical chasms of exclusion, creating paths for women and minorities toward equal representation. When those steps involve preferential selection on the basis of race, gender, or ethnicity, affirmative action generates intense controversy” (Fullinwider, 2009). The ethical foundation of affirmative action is to foster a fair and just society where everyone is seen and treated as equals—a goal that has not always been realized. This essay will explore the ethical implications and necessity of affirmative action, examining its role in addressing historical injustices, fostering diversity, and the controversies it engenders.

Historical Context and Ethical Foundations

In the 17th century, slavery became a widespread practice that relegated African Americans to the status of chattel, viewed merely as a means of cheap labor and property inferior to whites. This era was marked by egregious injustices that stripped African Americans of basic liberties such as learning to read, marriage, and voting. Although slavery formally ended in 1865, many discriminatory practices persisted. Before the implementation of affirmative action, minorities struggled significantly to secure quality education, high-profile employment, and other beneficial opportunities typically reserved for whites. Based on consequential and justice theory, affirmative action seeks to redress these wrongs and achieve equality through diversity, inclusion, bridging economic gaps, and compensatory justice. However, these policies face substantial opposition, particularly in the United States, where critics argue that affirmative action may shift discrimination from minorities to the qualified majority (Burns and Jan).

Ethically, opponents argue that affirmative action laws are prejudicial because they ostensibly improve minority lifestyles at the expense of others, citing reverse racism. Critics question whether the advantages of affirmative action outweigh its disadvantages. They believe these policies discriminate against highly qualified majority groups by setting aside positions to meet race quotas. Furthermore, they argue that minority students' achievements may be doubted in employment contexts, as hiring authorities might question whether students were accepted based on qualifications or affirmative action policies. This skepticism could potentially hinder minorities' career opportunities due to perceptions of favoritism rather than merit (Kanooni). George Sher, a moral and political philosopher, posits that affirmative action devalues accomplishments achieved through individual merit rather than group identity. However, minorities often counter this accusation by asserting their industrious efforts and qualifications (Crosby et al.).

The Necessity of Affirmative Action

Proponents of affirmative action, myself included, view it as an essential tool to combat discrimination and the remnants of the Jim Crow era that widened the gap between minorities and whites. The primary rationale for affirmative action's formation was to counteract historical discriminatory practices, including slavery and the violation of women's rights, impacts that still resonate today. Inequality was prevalent in areas such as education, voting rights, access to white-collar jobs, and equitable pay, hindering the growth of minority communities through generations.

Affirmative action plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap created by discrimination, particularly in employment and education. It ensures that all individuals, regardless of race or background, have access to opportunities traditionally reserved for whites. Ethically, the principle of equality mandates that all people, irrespective of skin color, culture, or background, should have equal chances. The notion of reverse racism is often a misunderstanding of affirmative action's intent, as it doesn't imply minorities oppressing the majority but rather addressing systemic inequities. This perspective inadvertently acknowledges the concept of white privilege, which has historically benefited white men, fostering a sense of entitlement without recognizing past injustices.

An illustrative example of affirmative action's positive influence is the career advancement of General Colin Powell. Under the Army Secretary of President Carter, Clifford Alexander, a list of white men was initially presented for promotion to Brigadier General. Alexander, the first black person in such a cabinet position, prioritized diversity. He returned the list for review to include qualified black candidates, ultimately resulting in Colin Powell's appointment. Powell excelled not only in the military but also in government roles, demonstrating affirmative action's role in promoting effective leadership and countering discrimination. Despite some opposition citing age discrimination, Powell's merits ensured his selection, emphasizing the importance of inclusion in decision-making (Kanooni).

Affirmative Action and Systemic Inequality

The introduction and implementation of affirmative action in the United States is ethically responsible, given the historical context that continues to affect contemporary society. Unlike true discrimination, affirmative action seeks to balance opportunities among all races and genders. The program clearly dictates that employment should be based on merit rather than race alone. Providing equal opportunities is a moral imperative that can lead to improved performance and economic growth (Burns and Jan). Before affirmative action, white men consistently enjoyed advantages over minorities. Burns, in his discussion of job discrimination, highlighted how African American men were often overlooked in favor of their white counterparts for entry-level positions in cities like Washington D.C. and Chicago, despite having comparable qualifications. Discrimination based on race is deemed unethical and often illegal according to global workplace standards (Burns and Jan).

A noteworthy point is that a significant portion of affirmative action's opposition includes minorities themselves. Some fear that their achievements will be attributed to affirmative action rather than personal merit. This perspective aligns with white opponents who believe racism and discrimination no longer exist and that they would be assessed solely on merit. Unfortunately, this belief doesn't reflect reality.

A skewed perception among minority and white opponents equates affirmative action with discrimination against highly qualified whites, as it allegedly reserves positions for minorities to satisfy race quotas. However, Stacy Jones' article on Fortune.com reveals that "White Men Account for 72% of Corporate Leadership at 16 Fortune 500 Companies." In these companies, men of all races constitute 80% of the workforce, highlighting the intersectionality challenges minority women face. If this is the state of affairs with affirmative action, one can only imagine the disparity without it, disproving claims that minorities are taking jobs from whites or causing race-related disparities.

Conclusion: A Path Toward Equality

Even as a supporter of affirmative action, I acknowledge potential challenges. However, without its support, society risks reverting to previous segregation and limitations. Tom Jacobs, in an article on Pacific Standard Magazine's website, highlights research by Graziella Bertocchi and Arcangelo Dimico that links economic inequalities from slavery to the present. They found that counties with a history of high slave populations continue to suffer from discriminatory policies affecting schools, education quality, and property values. Affirmative action serves as a form of compensatory justice, addressing systemic oppressions in areas like homeownership and the justice system. It aims to level the playing field, but denial of racism and discrimination perpetuates its necessity.

In conclusion, affirmative action remains a critical tool in striving for equality. It is not a panacea for all racial issues but a foundation for further progress. The debate surrounding its ethical implications reflects broader societal struggles with acknowledging and addressing historical and systemic inequalities. As long as these inequalities persist, programs like affirmative action will be essential in ensuring equal opportunities for all, fostering a society that values fairness and justice.

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