Ladina Ellis
Eng A – Culture
Culture Assignment – Sub-module 4
Supervisor: Nicholas Shepphard
Freedom is not enough, mend it, don’t end it – Affirmative Action
Dear Editor,
I am writing to express my support for the continued implementation of affirmative action
policies in our educational institutions and workplaces. Affirmative action has been a
contentious topic for many years, with both proponents and opponents holding strong views
on its efficacy and fairness (History.com, 2023). I firmly believe that affirmative action is a
necessary and just means to address systemic inequalities and promote diversity and
inclusivity in our society.
Affirmative action policies were initially introduced to rectify historical injustices and
promote equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity. In the
United States, these policies were a response to a long history of racial discrimination and
segregation, with the goal of ensuring that historically marginalized groups had a fair chance
at success (aaaed.com). While some argue that affirmative action is no longer necessary, the
reality is that racial disparities persist in many areas of our society, including education and
employment.
One of the primary benefits of affirmative action is its role in promoting diversity. Diversity
is a fundamental strength of any society or organization. In a diverse environment,
individuals are exposed to a wide range of perspectives and experiences, which can lead to
more creative problem-solving, greater innovation, and a richer cultural exchange. Our
educational institutions and workplaces should reflect the diversity of our society, and
affirmative action helps us achieve that goal.
Opponents of affirmative action often argue that it leads to “reverse discrimination”, unfairly
disadvantaging one group in favor of another (Duncan & Goddard, p. 202). Furthermore, a
recent Supreme Court case involving Harvard College and The University of North Carolina
overruled the use of affirmative action based solely on race, claiming that it is
“unconstitutional... and violate[s] the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment”
(cbs.com, 2023). However, it is crucial to recognize that affirmative action policies do not
aim to discriminate against anyone. Instead, they seek to level the playing field for
historically disadvantaged groups. Affirmative action policies provide a framework for
creating a more equitable society by considering the historical injustices that have affected
certain groups (aaaed.org).
Moreover, affirmative action is not just about race; it can also address gender disparities and
promote opportunities for women. Women have historically been underrepresented in many
fields, and affirmative action policies have played a role in helping to rectify this imbalance.
These policies can benefit not only individuals from underrepresented groups but also society
by ensuring that we tap into the full potential of our diverse population (History.com, 2023).
Affirmative action also plays a vital role in breaking the cycle of poverty. By providing
access to higher education and well-paying jobs for historically disadvantaged groups, it
empowers individuals to improve their economic and social status. This, in turn, can lead to
stronger communities and a more equitable society (Duncan & Goddard, p. 194).
In conclusion, the words of President Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1965 still ring loud and
clear: Freedom is not enough… You do not take a person who, for years, has been hobbled
by chains and liberate him, bring him up to the starting line of a race and then say, “You are
free to compete with all the others,” and still justly believe that you have been completely fair
(aaaed.org). The evidence is clear. Affirmative action policies are a necessary and just means
to address systemic inequalities and promote diversity and inclusivity in our society. They
have contributed to more integration and a balanced society both economically and socially
for all people - not just those of color. As another President, Bill Clinton said “mend it, don’t
end it” (Duncan & Goddard, p. 203); in other words, the way forward is not backwards. To
reverse is to bring the curse. To erase the tireless efforts of previous Civil Rights Movements,
associations and governments would be to deny America it’s greater glory. Therefore, it is
vital to continue perfecting affirmative action until all are raised to a level where color,
gender, language, disability, religion are not seen, and neither is poverty.
Sincerely,
Ladina Ellis
References
The American Association for Access, Equity, and Diversity (2023) What is Affirmative
Action?
https://www.aaaed.org/aaaed/About_Affirmative_Action__Diversity_and_Inclusion.asp
(1.11.2023)
CBS (2023) What is affirmative action? History behind race-based college admissions
practices the Supreme Court overruled.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-is-affirmative-action-history-college-admissions-
supreme-court/ (1.11.2023)
Duncan, R. & Goddard, J. (2022). Contemporary United States. 6th edition. Bloomsbury
Publishing Plc
History (2023) Affirmative Action. https://www.history.com/topics/us-government-and-
politics/affirmative-action (1.11.2023)
