The University of Michigan has come under fire for their admissions policies and the use of affirmative action. In particular, the university’s law school admission policy is in question because some white students feel they were denied admission in favor of minority students. This past Tuesday, hundreds of protestors gathered outside the Supreme Court as justices heard arguments from the school and the lawyers of the rejected students. The controversy has caused students at other universities to voice their opinion on the matter.
I have not heard much from students on our campus about the issue. I wonder why more students are not discussing this issue. The news has shown students from other schools protesting both pro and anti affirmative action sentiments. Could we not have open forums or guest speakers concerning affirmative action?
Does affirmative action really affect any of us at our school? I think that this case involving admissions should garner some attention. Ideally, universities would want a diverse student population, but those against affirmative action argue that race should not have a role in college admissions.
A decision from the Supreme Court is not expected until July. What ever the decision may be, I don’t see the issue dying down.
The University of Michigan’s admissions policy has been questioned since 1997, when the school was sued by two prospective white students who were denied admission. The students claimed they were passed over in favor of minority students who were less qualified.
An appeals court later upheld the university’s admissions process. The final decision would affect the University of Michigan as well as other public universities.
Arguments from both sides of the issue make sense but could a change be made that would satisfy both sides? Could the United States actually do away with affirmative action regarding university admis? If it were abolished, how would minority student populations be affected? How will this affect Mississippi State? Could this decision have an effect on affirmative action elsewhere? This is no small issue, if changes were made concerning college admissions then what changes would be made in the workplace? I truly believe that it would be difficult to do away with after it has been in place for so many years. Abolishing affirmative action without a viable alternative would be unwise.
I don’t think the Supreme Court will eliminate affirmative action after hearing initial arguments. The current system is not flawless, but I do not see any viable alternative. I hope that a decision can be reached that satisfies the plaintiffs involved and those who support the current system. I also hope that students around Mississippi will take a stand regarding the matter. We should not let this one pass by with out voicing our opinion whether you are for or against affirmative action.
Dave Miller is a junior communication major.