Affirmative Action
Affirmative Action
Description:
The Supreme Court case involving an applicant who brought suit alleging that the admission policies of the University of Michigan were discriminatory renewed a heated national discussion on affirmative action, race-based preferences and the merit of diversity criteria in schools and workplaces. While the Supreme Court's decision upheld the use of race as a consideration in admissions, nuances of the article led to a revision of the University of Michigan Law School's admissions policies. On one hand, opponents of affirmative action argue that the Constitution is designed to protect individuals rather than groups; on the other, reformers point to the historical legacy of discrimination, slavery and imperialism that has left many groups without equality of opportunity due to discriminatory practices that remain poignant in statistical measures of educational and economic success. While these opponents suffered another recent defeat with California's rejection of Proposition 54, which would have eliminated collection of statistics organized by ethnic and racial groups, they remain vociferous in rolling back its precepts and preferences. This case study explores the legal, social and ethical issues and positions at stake, the legal history of diversity initiatives and likely future implications of a court ruling.
Education Levels:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Higher education, Kindergarten
Subject:
Current Events/issues, Human Relations, Sociology, United States Constitution, United States Government, United States History
Resource Type:
Project
Medium:
PDF
Fee Status:
Free
Beneficiary:
Students
Online provider:
USA Today Education
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