What Affirmative Action Does

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Affirmative action is a set of policies and practices that aim to increase opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in employment, education, and other areas. It is based on the principle that past discrimination has created barriers to equal opportunity, and that affirmative action is necessary to level the playing field.

Affirmative action programs can take a variety of forms, including

* Hiring quotas These require employers to hire a certain percentage of minority or female workers.
* Preference in admissions Colleges and universities can give preference to minority or female applicants, even if they have lower test scores or grades than other applicants.
* Scholarships and grants These can be awarded to minority or female students to help them pay for college.
* Mentorship programs These can pair minority or female professionals with mentors who can help them advance their careers.

Affirmative action programs have been controversial since their inception. Supporters argue that they are necessary to address the legacy of discrimination and to create a more level playing field. Opponents argue that affirmative action programs are unfair to white and male applicants, and that they can lead to reverse discrimination.

The debate over affirmative action is likely to continue for many years to come. However, there is no doubt that affirmative action has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of people. It has helped to increase diversity in the workforce and in educational institutions, and it has opened up new opportunities for people who have been historically underrepresented.

Here are some of the benefits of affirmative action

* It increases diversity in the workforce and in educational institutions. This can lead to a more creative and innovative workforce, as well as a more representative democracy.
* It helps to level the playing field for people who have been historically discriminated against. This can help to close the achievement gap between different groups.
* It sends a message that discrimination will not be tolerated. This can help to create a more just and equitable society.

Of course, there are also some potential drawbacks to affirmative action

* It can lead to reverse discrimination, where white and male applicants are discriminated against in favor of minority or female applicants.
* It can create a sense of entitlement among minority or female students, who may feel that they do not deserve their positions.
* It can be divisive, as it pits different groups of people against each other.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to support affirmative action is a complex one. There are both benefits and drawbacks to consider. However, it is important to remember that affirmative action was created to address a serious problem the legacy of discrimination. And while it is not a perfect solution, it has had a positive impact on the lives of millions of people.