10 Reasons Affirmative Action Still Matters Today

10 Reasons Affirmative Action Still Matters
10 Reasons Affirmative Action Still Matters

10 Reasons the U.S. still Needs Affirmative Action

Affirmative action dates back to the 1960s when President Kennedy signed an executive order requiring all those who contracted with the US Government to take steps to make sure that all employees (and those seeking employment with the contractor) be treated without discrimination due to race, creed, color or national origin.  The requirements were later amended to prevent discrimination on the grounds of sex.

Despite many protestations to the contrary, America is still a class, gender and race based society where it is easier to get ahead if you are white, male

and middle class.  In a country where your name matters (studies have shown that people with ‘black’ names find it harder to get a job interview than those with ‘white’ names)  and where women are still in the minority in the senior ranks of the professions, affirmative action is sadly still a necessity.

Affirmative action is, perhaps, most controversial when it comes to the question of quotas.  Whether in employment or access to college why should someone with a higher score be overlooked in favor of someone who has not done quite as well?  At first glance it does seem unfair but what affirmative action has done is level the playing field.  It makes sure that people who have potential but whose life circumstances have meant they have been unable to realize it still have access to all the opportunities they deserve.

So, here are our top 10 reasons why affirmative action is as relevant and necessary today as it was when it was first proposed in 1961.

10Affirmative action helps make sure that the diversity of the American society is reflected across the board

Affirmative Action Ensures Diversity Across the Board

9Affirmative action will be needed as long as there is an education gap

Affirmative Action will be necessary as long as an US education gap exists

8Affirmative action helps make sure that people are qualified for the work they need to do

Affirmative Action Ensures Qualified people get the job. What one man can do another man can do.

7Diversity gives rise to innovation

The diversity arising from affirmative action will spur innovation

6Diversity makes good financial sense

Affirmative Action will make it rain

5Diversity makes our nation more secure

Diversity is a matter of national security

4Diversity in college benefits all students

College kids love diversity. Varity is the spice of life, right.

3‘Neutral’ policies just don’t work

Reducing access to opportunity in some states like California has already had detrimental impacts which will last generations

2Stopping affirmative action will cause problems in the long run

Getting rid of affirmative action will have dire future consequences

1Most Americans support affirmative action

Most American overwhelmingly approve of affirmative action