Subjects:
John F. Kennedy created the President's Commission on Equal Employment
Opportunity, and thus, began transforming the world of minorities, woman
and the handicapped to equal existence with Caucasian males (Shelton
10). Still, this was only the foundation for a debate, which had begun
decades prior to Kennedy's presidency. As "...one of the most
significant public policies of the twentieth-century..." affirmative
action is surrounded by controversy and criticism (Soni 1). Affirmative
action is intended to benefit groups plagued with life-long
discrimination (LaNoue 1). Significantly, there are many definitions
and justifications given for affirmative action. The most recent
justification is cultural diversity (Carney 2). A comprehensive
definition of affirmative action may include, "...any effort taken to
fully integrate our society by expanding educational, employment and
contracting opportunities to the multitude of gender, ethic, national
origin, and handicapped-condition groups that have been and remain
locked out of full economic, social, and/or political participation in
our country" (Shelton 9). Through the examination of the history and
. . .
By examining history and intention of affirmative action, one
may better obtain a better ethical position. Also, the Voting Rights Act of
1965 insured the ability to vote for all races (Skyes 1). The Supreme
Court chose to uphold the prior decision of Judge James McMillan
(Banfield 8). The two measures helped to make difference but were still not enough
to end discrimination. Also, many believe that in order to benefit the society as
a whole, and have a truly democratic and just society, affirmative
action is demanded because ". Even
minorities are opponents of affirmative action. In 1941 he signed
Executive Order 8802 ". As Justice
Thurgood Marshall the "stalwart champion" of affirmative action once
said, ".
The University of California continued to appeal, each time losing its
case (Banfield 63). Initially, discrimination was limited to African-Americans, as
they served as slaves on plantations (Banfield 13). Two years later Johnson amended his
order to include affirmative action to benefit women (Skyes 1). In local court in 1975, the school
defended themselves by saying Bakke would not have been admitted
regardless of the quotas due to his lack of character and motivation
(Banfield 60).
Essay's Topics
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