Affirmative Actions and its Future

“Affirmative action” refers to rules and practices intended to give a boost to the formerly excluded and make America more equal for women and people of disadvantaged racial groups. Media attention often focuses on affirmative action in university admissions, but similar practices are found in a wide range of institutions, from government and private sector employment offices to programs that disperse grants and contracts. In all cases, affirmative action promotes equal opportunity without spending much money. But political controversies swirl around affirmative action – and opponents have pressed challenges in the courts. The Supreme Court will soon rule on a legal challenge to the admissions policies of the University of Texas – and the results may reverberate widely. In this context, the author draws some insights and analysis around the challenges of affirmative action and alternatives that might work.