Affirmative Action in Higher Education free essay sample

An investigation into the practice of affirmative action in U.S. higher education institutions. The paper begins with a definition and history of affirmative action in the U.S. The controversy surrounding this practice is then explored. Statistics are cited and the University of Michigan is used to illustrate the controversy. Advantages and disadvantages of the practice of affirmative action are discussed. Much of the debate over affirmative action focuses on the notion that affirmative action gives preference to minorities at the expense of whites. For example, Californias Proposition 209 ended local and state affirmative action programs in public employment, public education, and public contracting. Advocates of proposition 209 claim that affirmative action is unconstitutional since it gives preferential treatment to certain groups.