America Needs Affirmative Action Essay - 1384 Words

Discrimination against race, gender, religion, or other social characteristics is occurring in all parts of the United States almost every day. Unfortunately, the U.S. has a history of extreme case of discrimination, which has evoked controversy and in worse cases, violence. To discourage any more of adverse discernment towards certain individuals, the Federal government has imposed legislation called affirmative action. According to At Issue: Affirmative Action, â€Å"Affirmative action is designed to promote access to opportunities in education, employment, housing, and government contracts among certain designated groups, such as women and minoritiesâ€Å" (At Issue). This law is necessary in today’s society in order to maintain equality and†¦show more content†¦Companies and educational institutions greatly benefit from the guidelines of affirmative action because they profit from the different ideas, work styles, and contributions unique to each diverse individ ual. As quoted in Paul Connors’s compilation, Affirmative Action, President of Columbia University, Lee Bollinger, addresses the importance of a diverse educational system by stating, â€Å"The experience of arriving on a campus to live and study with classmates from a diverse range of backgrounds is essential to students training for this new world, nurturing in them an instinct to reach out instead of clinging to the comforts of what seems natural or familiar† (12-13). A statement by Southeastern Oklahoma State University further supports the idea that success in modern day society stems from diversity saying, â€Å"Our country is strong because of the rich diversity of our culture, not in spite of it† (Affirmative Action). Not only does Affirmative action prevent discrimination, but also this legislation implemented by the national government can diversify and improve the overall well being of businesses and schools. Sometimes individuals of a minority group are rejected for a position or declined acceptance to a university not because they are inept, but due to outdated stereotypical assumptions that cause an employer or official to reconsider that person. The ideas behind affirmative action prevent unfair labeling from those whoseShow MoreRelatedAn Ethical Dilemma: Affirmative Action, Do We Still Need It?1706 Words   |  7 PagesDilemma: Affirmative Action, Do We Still Need It? An Ethical Dilemma: Affirmative Action, Do We Still Need It? Abstract This paper discusses the importance of affirmative action in today’s society and the ethical role it plays when Employers and Universities are considering entry to their respected places of establishment. The paper will conclude with what America will face in the future in terms of affirmative action. An Ethical Dilemma: Affirmative Action, Do We Still Need It? 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In the 1940s: President Roosevelt signed an order making discrimination illegal in defense contracting. 1954: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that separate but equal facilities on the basis of race were unconstitutionally discriminatory. The Act of 1964: CongressRead MoreThe Debate over Affirmative Action1307 Words   |  5 Pagesdebate over affirmative action. Although the United States has made great strides in improving race relations over the past forty years, affirmative action continues to be one of the most controversial policies in America. It has rattle the halls of higher education. It has appeared on the steps of the Supreme Court. And it has divided not only different racial groups, but even members of a single racial group. In fact, I’ve heard some of the most heated conversation over affirmative action between twoRead MoreAffirmative Action719 Words   |  3 PagesAffirmative Action Generations of families have suffered due unequal laws or prejudices set in place to prevent minorities from growing. Slavery, segregation, separate but equal laws, the trail of tears, failing ESOL classes, unequal pay and so much more effect todays youth and causing history to change slowly if at all. Affirmative action has good intentions and is very much needed in todays world however it sometimes fails doing what it was created to do. The extra points given to the