Affirmative Action Policies example essay topic

As a college student working towards future employment I believe that it is my responsibility to be aware of and understand the rising issues of equal opportunity in the workplace and institutions of higher education. Historically, women and minorities have been discriminated against, leading to the implementation of affirmative action policies. By definition affirmative action is "an effort to improve the employment or educational opportunities of members of minority groups and women" (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary). Many people believe that the key to true equal opportunity requires affirmative action policies.

The debate rages whether affirmative action is still necessary, has outlived its usefulness, or needs to be modified and applied in a more moderate fashion. Affirmative action was originally intended to benefit groups that are thought to have suffered from discrimination. It is relevant to state that there are very prominent minorities in the U.S. According to the National Census Black and Latino citizens combine to make up only 31 percent of the national population. There should be no question of whether "minorities" are still prevalent, but if they are still treated differently. There is no doubt that discrimination was a contemptible and unfortunate problem in U.S. history, but the issue at hand raises different concerns about policies enforcing equal opportunity. As college students, we are already involved and effected by affirmative action.

While some of us benefit from application of the policies, some of us benefit from the lack the affirmative action. On campus, and at work, every individual you are surrounded by, regardless of creed, gender or any other defining characteristic is impacted by affirmative action, whether it is implied or not. I raise the question to you, how do we address the rising issue of equal opportunity? And I give you three possible answers: Do we keep affirmative action policies, do away with them, or modify them. It really is as simple as that. We need to truly understand affirmative action before deeming it necessary, or unnecessary.

It is important to note that affirmative action pertains only to job-qualified applicants. It is required for the applicant to be qualified for the position, (as well as for admission into schools). Policies are designed to make up for past discrimination. It is widely believed that employers are required to fill "quotas", meaning they have a certain number or a proportional part of their employees are minorities or women. This is a misconception. Quotas in affirmative action programs are illegal (AAUW).

Are people oppressed for centuries denied equal opportunity because years of oppression have prohibited them from becoming qualified for certain positions or admissions? Many in the U.S. argue for that affirmative action is a progressive tool to promote diversity and remedy inequities in the workplace and higher education (Pritchett). Former President Johnson proclaimed "We seek... not just equality as a right and a theory, but equality as a fact and a result". Have we reached that point where we have achieved optimal results? While men are only 43 percent of the Fortune 2000 workforce, they hold 95% of the senior management jobs (civil rights. org). Women in the U.S., on average, earn 72 cents to every 1-dollar earned by men.

In her lifetime the average woman looses $523,000 due to wage disparities (Pritchett). Since 1987 women owned businesses have increased by 103 percent. In 1999 women owned almost 9 million businesses, employing more than 27 million people (AAUW). Some may argue that this is a direct result and benefit of affirmative action.

Blacks on the other hand continue to have twice the unemployment rate of whites (Pritchett). Only 35 percent of all African American high school graduates attend college, vs. the 50 percent of white students (Pinkard). Why is this? During time as slaves, blacks were not given opportunity to establish businesses, setting them back in the modern job market (Noon). The race is still feeling the effects today. Often they are not given opportunity to catch-up to whites in America.

Can affirmative action policies reduce the effects of the past discrimination against African-Americans? Some advocates of affirmative action policies are afraid that African-Americans having high success rates in sports and entertainment lead people to believe they are having high success rates economically and socially in the "real world" (Pinkard). Their fear is that individuals will loose understanding and appreciation that blacks (and other minority races) still might be discriminated against. Affirmative Action is meant to break down barriers, but Americans are starting to bring up new questions and aspects of the effects of affirmative action. Are more qualified people denied positions or access to educational institutions because certain positions have been reserved for others by virtue of an affirmative action policy?

After 30+ years of active policies is it really necessary or fair to keep implementing affirmative action? It is argued that situations such as giving a job to a minority over an equally qualified member of the white majority, is reversing racism (Noon). Reverse discrimination is becoming more of an issue every day. Currently white students who did not get accepted are suing the University of Michigan. Others argue that the course of Affirmative Action is complete. Blacks and whites now see eye to eye and are living life on a "level playing field" (Pinkard).

Even members of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) have implied that the growing black middle class is not the result of affirmative action programs, but the result of self-help over welfare an adherence to moral values, reverence for education and family (Worthington). (NOTE: This is not necessarily the opinion or viewpoint of all NAACP members). Is there a way to help previous oppressed segments of our society become adequately qualified and educated without denying other capable individuals opportunity? A final approach to ensuring equal opportunity is to modify existing policies. It is suggested that policies could be heavily enforced for education and training purposes, but not in the job market. That way proper training and education is reaching out for everyone, regardless of color or sex, or any other defining characteristic, but allows those with the most experience, training, education, and overall qualifications to be awarded jobs.

Women and minorities in education and employment and these programs remain essential to ensure equal access to all professions at all levels, through recruitment, outreach, and training (AAUW) This type of policy gives minorities and women tools necessary and is sure not to deprive them the ability to compete. Affirmative action in university and college admissions ensures that women and minorities have equal access to quality education at all levels (AAUW). Women receive 55 percent of all bachelors and masters degrees, but only 39 percent of doctorates. Many contend that it is ignorant to believe that racism no longer exists. It is important to realize that I am not arguing or disagreeing with this issue. There is discrimination, my question is how do we handle it.

Equal opportunity for those of race and gender minority groups is important, but what is the best way to do that? Do we do keep the policies that have been successful for so many years, do we do away with them because of the tremendous strides we have made as a country, or do we try to apply old policies in a new fashion?