The policy of affirmative action has caused much debate in whether it should be used in American society. In coming to terms with its fairness, many people tend to disapprove of it overlooking its many benefits. It is, however, one of the best possible way to further the goals of equality in opportunity that doesn’t passively waits for barriers to disappear.
Acting as a catalyst for equal opportunity, affirmative action provides everyone the same chance for job opportunities as it does with aggressive recruitment. In aggressive recruitment, it forces businesses to advertise the availability of jobs to the public so everyone would have a fair chance of obtaining it; eliminating this would allow for the circulation of jobs among friends and a less diversified work environment. Aggressive recruitment would prevent those circumstances and promote diversity.
Another approach of affirmative action is to allow for remedial programs that would, in turn, offer students assistance in school. These programs would help students with particular educational and economic disadvantages gain the basic skills they need to succeed in school and in the workforce. It also gives tutoring and assistance to those who want to improve their knowledge and skill in a particular subject area or career.
The most controversial use of affirmative action is its use in college admissions. In 2003, the Supreme Court allowed race to be used as one of the factors in determining admissions to colleges. Many people see this as reverse discrimination but the difference is that this is promoting equal opportunity while, in the past, equal opportunity was denied to women and minorities (which the majority didn’t have a problem with at that time). I strongly believe that this approach is beneficial by fostering diversity in colleges although I wouldn’t agree with quotas or preferential treatment based solely on race. A person with lower standards shouldn’t be accepted over a person who is more applicable.
“It is necessary that the path to leadership be visibly open to talented and qualified individuals of every race and ethnicity.” – Sandra Day O’Conner
I strongly agree with O’Conner’s majority opinion and I believe it will do much good for society. Being in a college that isn’t diverse isn’t a good platform to start your career from considering it doesn’t match with real life.
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
