Affirmative Action A Right And A Theory - 2415 Words

Affirmative action has faced much scrutiny in its 53 year history. There has been plenty of praise, and even disapproval from some for this term created by President John F. Kennedy when he enacted Executive Order 10925. He created it in order to address discrimination that had remained prevalent despite the recent civil rights movements, and the promises, made in the constitution. It was not fully in order until President Lyndon B. Johnson brought it into maturity by signing the Civil Rights Act and requiring its laws be obeyed. Johnson declared, â€Å"We seek†¦not just equality as a right and a theory, but as a fact and as a result† (Brunner and Rowen). One of the primary focuses of this new affirmative action policy was on education. The†¦show more content†¦Another reason for its creation was to remedy decades of slavery, segregation and the denial of rights that occurred over one hundred years ago. However, it is important to remember that this type of actio n does not establish equal results, but instead creates equality in that everyone involved will be fairly represented and given the same chance to succeed (The Leadership Conference of Civil and Human Rights). Today, affirmative action still holds the main values it held half a century ago. Affirmative action is necessary in the college admission process for several reasons. Over the past several years this issue has become more prevalent. Often times the people who oppose affirmative action do so based on misconceptions. Whites generally believe that African Americans are as well off as whites when it comes to jobs, incomes, and education among other things (Americans for a Fair Chance). There have been many issues brought to light by several court cases. Some popular cases that have been made popular are the Fisher vs. University of Texas and the Grutter vs. Bollinger case. These cases involved controversy over discrimination and reverse discrimination in the college admissions process. In the 2003 Grutter vs. Bollinger case, the United States’ Supreme Court stated that, â€Å"student body diversity is a compelling interest in affirmative action programs at colleges and universities, given that