Affirmative Action :: Affirmative Action Essays

In 1997, three students were denied admission into the University of bread. Each of them, in turn, sued the school, charging them with disagreement. In one of the cases, a student was denied admission into Michigans law school. Chicago Sun-Times writers Dave Newbart and Kate Grossman reported that last Monday, June 23, 2003, in a 5-4 majority ruling, swing vote Justice Sandra Day OConnor judged for the school maintaining their good to consider the race of their applicants. In a second decision, the court ruled that they supported the Universitys use of race in their admissions policy, but use of a point system was unconstitutional under the fourteenth amendment (Equal Protection Clause). Why then was the student still dissatisfied with the ruling? She was suing the school for reverse discrimination stemming from the University of Michigans use of affirmatory action towards their applicants. The student was white.     The lawsuit sent shockwaves across the nat ion. Though the case centered on college admission practices, favourable action plays a role in many everyday matters, especially towards procedures regarding employment. Before delving into discourse and opinions, the background and history of affirmative action should be discussed.      concord to writer Stephen Cahn, affirmative actions origins stem from an executive order that John F. Kennedy wrote in regards to the hiring practices of employers. Cahn writes that the Presidents Committee on Equal prospect Employment stated federal contractors ...will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, or national origin. The Contractor will take affirmative action, to ensure that applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin." The principle of this order from President Kennedy was more developed with the Civil Rights A ct of 1964, which in part stated that "No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance." About one year later, President Lyndon B. Johnson defined the conception of affirmative action emphasizing that civil rights laws alone were not enough to resolve discrimination. Just months later, President Johnson issued an order to enforce affirmative action toward prospective minority employees in all aspects of hiring and employment. Employers must take specific measures to ensure equality in hiring and must document these efforts.