Author Question: In 1996 the voters of the State of California passed Proposition 209, which banned affirmative ... (Read 137 times)

james9437 · **on:** Jun 19, 2018

In 1996 the voters of the State of California passed Proposition 209, which banned affirmative
action by race or gender in admissions to all public universities. Yet the state continues to allow
preferential admissions based on athletic or artistic ability at public colleges and universities.
And preferences of all sorts are allowed at the private universities in the state, including
preferences for the children of wealthy alumni. Since passage of 209, several other states have
adopted similar measures, including Washington, Michigan, Nebraska, Alabama, Arizona, and
Florida. These typically apply only to public colleges and universities, not private ones.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Almost half a century after the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964, many African-Americans have
succeeded in achieving great success economically and educationally, although many
disparities remain among the races. Increasingly, attention has turned to desperately poor
people of all races who suffer from poor educational and employment opportunities. Should we
develop more special programs for all underprivileged classes, regardless of race, to assist
them in achieving better educations and employment? Should the poor white children of rural
Appalachia receive as much attention as poor black children?

What will be an ideal response?

xiazhe · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

1. Should university admissions at all institutions, both public and private, be genuinely
race- and gender-blind, based solely on academic qualifications? Develop ethical
arguments in support of your position. Then discuss how you would measure academic
qualifications in a way that was not biased for or against any particular race or gender.
2. Are there any factors for admission, other than academic qualifications, which seem
justifiable and fair to you? Should there be a preference for gifted athletes, musicians,
children of alumni, or veterans? Develop ethical arguments in support of your position.

Answer to Question 2

1. Develop ethical arguments that affirmative action programs should no longer be based
on race or national origin, but rather on class. Include some explanation for how you
would identify the class(es) deserving of affirmative action. Then develop critiques of
your arguments, using ethical reasoning.
2. Certain racial minorities have been singled out in the last few decades for special
treatment in affirmative action programs. If these programs are continued in the future,
how should we identify which races should benefit? Is there a correlation between race
and class that you consider relevant in these decisions? Develop ethical arguments to
support your answers.