Race and Affirmative Action Essay -- Argumentative Persuasive Essays

Race and Affirmative Action Race is an issue that is embedded in the nation’s history and continues to spur discussions on how the different minorities and ethnic groups must be treated fairly. Affirmative action is a recent attempt to solve the discriminations produced by racial inequality. However, affirmative action is also being scrutinized as scholars and the public debate the benefits and harms of affirmative action. A Historical View Throughout the past 30 years, affirmative action has been the answer to racial inequality. The policy began in 1965 under President Johnson. It was used to redress issues of discrimination, following the civil rights laws and constitutional guarantees on education and jobs. From the outset, affirmative action was envisioned as a temporary remedy that would create a "level playing field" for all Americans. Affirmative action policies required that active measures be taken to ensure that blacks and other minorities receive the same opportunities for career advancements, school admissions, scholarships, and financial aid that had been nearly exclusive provisions for whites. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the landmark legislation that prohibited employment discrimination by large employers (over 15 employees), whether or not they had government contracts. As a result, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) was established. Lyndon B. Johnson issued the E.O. 11246 regulation. It required government contractors and subcontractors to implement affirmative action policies to expand job opportunities for minorities. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance (OFCC) was designated to administer the regulation. In 1973 the Nixo... ...or group identity should not say that a person is naturally disadvantaged. There are many blacks in the US that are hindered by the economy, but there are also rich blacks and poor whites. Race should not determine who gets into college because black society as a whole is not entirely disadvantaged. Bibliography: Affirmative Action: The Perspectives in Detail and Overview: The Issue at a Glance. Public Agenda Online. 20 March 2003 http://www.publicagendaonline.org/ issues/overview.cf?issues_type=race. â€Å"Bush Enters Affirmative Action Fray.† CBS News. 16 Jan. 2003. 20 March 2003 http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/01/11/politics/main536148.shtml. â€Å"Narrow Use of Affirmative Action Preserved in College Admissions.† Cnn.com. 25 June 2003. 13 July 2003 <http:cnn.law.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&expire=-1&ur1ID=6839596&fb..>.