Introduction
Affirmative action in college admissions has been a controversial topic for many years. Supporters of affirmative action argue that it is necessary to promote diversity on college campuses and flatten disadvantaged groups’ playing grounds. Critics of affirmative action argue that it is a form of reverse discrimination and that it is unfair to base admissions decisions on anything other than merit. One of the most common arguments favoring affirmative action is promoting diversity on college campuses. The study by Mitchell et al. (27) reveals that “about three-in-ten college students (30%) say their campus climate is not welcoming to students of their race or ethnicity.” Furthermore, there is no doubt that affirmative action in college admissions has significantly impacted the demographics of college campuses. According to Thomas et al. (473), the percentage of black students at elite colleges and universities increased from 5.7% in 1980 to 11.5% in 1995, thanks partly to affirmative action.
Proponents of affirmative action argue that by considering race in admissions choices, colleges and universities can develop a more diverse and inclusive environment for all students. Opponents of affirmative action contend that it is a form of reverse discrimination. They point to cases like that of Abigail Fisher, a white scholar who was denied admission to the University of Texas at Austin, as evidence that affirmative action is unfair. Fisher argued that she was denied admission for her race, and the Supreme Court ruled in her favor, stating that the University of Texas had not adequately justified its use of race in admissions decisions (Thomas et al., 473). The affirmative action debate is likely to last for several years to come. There is no easy answer, and both sides of the debate have valid points. Colleges and universities must be thoughtful and intentional in using affirmative action, ensuring they use it reasonably and justifiably. Notably, this essay will argue the necessity of supporting affirmative action in college admissions.
Ensure Equal Opportunity for All Students
Affirmative action in college admissions is necessary to ensure equal opportunity for all students. By considering race, ethnicity, and gender when making admissions decisions, colleges and universities can help level the playing field for all applicants (Maxwell et al., 3). While these programs have been controversial, they effectively increase diversity on college campuses. Without affirmative action, students of color and women would be disadvantaged in the admissions process. White male applicants have always been the majority of students at elite colleges and universities. They continue to be over-represented even as the overall population of college-aged students has become more diverse (Maxwell et al., 5). Affirmative action must remain in place to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to attend college. Colleges and universities must consider race, ethnicity, and gender when making admissions decisions to create a more diverse and inclusive campus community.
Promote Diversity and Inclusion on College Campuses
Affirmative action in college admissions helps to promote diversity and inclusion on college campuses in several ways. First, affirmative action policies help to certify that scholars from understated groups have equal admission to advanced education (Kannan et al., 244), which is essential because students from these groups are often at a demerit when it comes to getting into college. Second, affirmative action helps to create a more diverse and inclusive campus environment. When students from different backgrounds can interact, they can learn from each other and develop a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity (Kannan et al., 245). Finally, affirmative action can help address historical discrimination and underrepresentation patterns. By taking steps to increase the representation of historically marginalized groups on college campuses, we can help to make these institutions more equitable and just.
Reduce Race and Ethnic Disparities in College Enrollment and Graduation Rates
In the United States, affirmative action in college admissions refers to the policies and practices that seek to raise the representation of underrepresented groups in higher education, which includes race- and ethnicity-based affirmative action, as well as affirmative action for other groups such as women and people with disabilities (Kannan et al., 246). There is a long history of discrimination against underrepresented groups in higher education in the United States, which includes both de jure segregation, in which colleges and universities were legally required to maintain separate facilities for different racial groups, and de facto segregation, in which colleges and universities were not legally required to segregate but did so anyway. As a result of these policies and practices, minority groups have been historically underrepresented in higher education.
Affirmative action in college admissions helps to reduce race and ethnic disparities in college enrollment and graduation rates by increasing the representation of underrepresented groups (Thomas et al., 475), which is achieved through various means, such as setting aside a certain number of seats for underrepresented groups, using race and ethnicity as aspects in admissions choices, and offering financial aid and other forms of assistance to underrepresented groups. There is a great deal of argument surrounding affirmative action in college admissions. Opponents argue that it is a type of contrary discrimination, unnecessary in the era of college admissions tests like the SAT and ACT, and does not address the underlying causes of disparities in college enrollment and graduation rates (Thomas et al., 476). Proponents argue that affirmative action is necessary to redress the historical and ongoing effects of discrimination, that it is a form of positive discrimination that aids in balancing the playing ground, and that it is a vital tool for promoting diversity in higher education.
Leveling Playing Field for Students from Underprivileged Families
Furthermore, affirmative action in college admissions gives students a better chance of being accepted into college because affirmative action takes into account factors such as race and socioeconomic status when making admissions decisions (Reardon et al., 632), which gives students from disadvantaged backgrounds a better chance of being accepted into college. In addition to flattening the playing ground for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, affirmative action also helps to promote diversity on college campuses since action helps to ensure that a college’s student council is diversity representative of the group as a whole which is vital as it helps to develop an environment on college campuses that is more representative of the natural world (Reardon et al., 633). Some argue that affirmative action is unfair because it gives students from disadvantaged backgrounds an advantage over other students.
Additionally, it is necessary because affirmative action takes into account an applicant’s ethnicity or race when making admissions choices which imply that students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to be admitted to college, even if they have lower grades or test scores than other students (Reardon et al., 638). However, it is essential to remember that affirmative action is only one factor when making admissions decisions. Aspects like grades and test scores are still the most critical factors in determining whether or not a student will be admitted into college. Overall, affirmative action helps to flatten the playing ground for scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds and promote diversity on college campuses. Affirmative action is controversial, but it is essential to remember that it is meant to level the playing field, not give students an advantage. It is vital to have a diverse student body at college, and affirmative action helps to confirm that all scholars have an equal opportunity to succeed.
A Significant Tool for Realizing Racial and Ethnic Diversity
Affirmative action in college admissions is essential for achieving racial and ethnic diversity. By taking race and ethnicity into consideration when making admissions choices, colleges and universities can create a more diverse and inclusive campus community which is necessary not only for the students who benefit from the educational opportunities that come with a more diverse student body but also for the entire campus community (Reardon et al., 640). Some argue that affirmative action is unfair and gives certain groups an advantage over others. However, this argument fails to consider the history of discrimination in America. Certain groups have been systematically disadvantaged for generations, and affirmative action is one way to help level the playing field. We would all be judged solely on our merits in a perfect world. But we don’t live in a perfect world, and affirmative action is one way to help ensure that everyone has a fair shot at getting a good education (Reardon et al., 642). A more diverse campus community can lead to a more enriching and supportive learning environment for all students. There are several reasons why affirmative action in college admissions is essential for achieving racial and ethnic diversity. Firstly, it helps to flatten the playing ground for scholars of color who may have faced systemic disadvantages in their educational opportunities.
Additionally, it ensures that diverse perspectives and experiences are represented on campus. And third, it can help to create a more inclusive campus community where all students feel welcome and supported. Affirmative action in college admissions is not a perfect solution, but it is an essential tool for promoting racial and ethnic diversity on campus (Reardon et al., 648). Many challenges come with implementing affirmative action, but colleges and universities committed to diversity can overcome these challenges. By increasing racial and ethnic diversity on campus, affirmative action can help to create a more supportive and enriching learning atmosphere for all scholars.
Preparation of All Citizens for Success in a Globalized Economy
By taking into consideration elements such as ethnicity, race, and gender in the admissions process, colleges and universities can create a student body that is more representative of the general population, which in turn, leads to a more enriching and enlightening educational experience for all students, as they are exposed to a broader range of perspectives and viewpoints. In addition, affirmative action helps to level the playing field for underrepresented groups historically disadvantaged in the education system (Garg et al., 261). For example, women and minorities have often been denied access to the same educational opportunities as white men. As a result, they enter the workforce at a disadvantage, which can have a ripple effect throughout their careers. By ensuring that these groups have a fair chance of being admitted to college, affirmative action helps to promote equality and opportunity for all. Critics of affirmative action argue that it unfairly favors certain groups over others and is no longer necessary in today’s society (Garg et al., 261). However, given the continued disparities in education and employment opportunities, it is clear that affirmative action is still needed to ensure that all Americans have a chance to succeed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, affirmative action in college admissions refers to giving preferential treatment to applicants who identify as members of groups that have been historically discriminated against, such as racial minorities or women. The rationale behind affirmative action is that it assists in flattening the playing field by providing opportunities to groups habitually understated in higher education. There is significant debate surrounding affirmative action in college admissions. Some argue that it is necessary to ensure equal opportunity, while others contend it is a form of reverse discrimination. The Supreme Court has ruled that affirmative action is constitutional but limits its use. Overall, affirmative action remains controversial, but its impact on college admissions is significant. It has helped to increase diversity on college campuses and has ensured that members of traditionally underrepresented groups have a better chance of accessing higher education.
Work Cited
Garg, Nikhil, Hannah Li, and Faidra Monachou. “Standardized tests and affirmative action: The role of bias and variance.” Proceedings of the 2021 ACM Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency. 2021: 261
Kannan, Sampath, Aaron Roth, and Juba Ziani. “Downstream effects of affirmative action.” Proceedings of the Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency. 2019: 240-248.
Maxwell, Connor, and Sara Garcia. “5 Reasons to Support Affirmative Action in College Admissions.” (2019): 1-7.
Mitchell, Rossanna C. Hernandez. “Schuette and Affirmative Action: Why There Are Limits to What a Majority of the People May Do.” Intercultural Hum. Its. L. Rev. 16 (2021): 27.
Reardon, Sean F., et al. “What Levels of Racial Diversity Can Be Achieved with Socioeconomic‐Based Affirmative Action? Evidence from a Simulation Model.” Journal of Policy Analysis and Management 37.3 (2018): 630-657.
Thomas, Billy R., and Nancy Dockter. “Affirmative action and holistic review in medical school admissions: where we have been and are going.” Academic Medicine 94.4 (2019): 473-476.
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