Affirmative Action :: Affirmative Action Essays

In 1997, three savants were denied admission into the University of Michigan. Each of them, in turn, sued the school, charging them with discrimination. In one of the cases, a student was denied admission into Michigans police school. Chicago Sun-Times writers Dave Newbart and Kate Grossman reported that last Monday, June 23, 2003, in a 5-4 majority ruling, shake off vote Justice Sandra Day OConnor judged for the school maintaining their right to carry the race of their applicants. In a second decision, the court ruled that they support 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 turn back discrimination stemming from the University of Michigans use of affirmatory action towards their applicants. The student was white.     The lawsuit sent shockwaves acr oss the nation. Though the case centered on college admission practices, approbatory action plays a role in numerous everyday matters, especially towards procedures regarding employment. Before delving into discourse and opinions, the background and history of affirmative action should be discussed.     According to writer Stephen Cahn, affirmative actions origins stem from an executive govern that John F. Kennedy wrote in regards to the hiring practices of employers. Cahn writes that the Presidents Committee on Equal Opportunity 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 impinge on affirmative action, to ensure that applicants atomic number 18 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 Kenned y was more developed with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which in let out stated that "No person in the United States shall, on the movement 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 military action receiving federal financial assistance." About one year later, President Lyndon B. Johnson delineate the concept 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.