In an attempt to rectify years of discrimination, "affirmative action" policies in the United States were implemented to aid women and people of color gain access to employment and educational opportunities.
Where is the line between promoting diversity and discrimination?
Affirmative action has been a long-standing debate for college admissions, especially in Texas. In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in favor of the University of Texas System in the case against Abigail Fisher, a rejected white applicant who argued that the school's "race-conscious" policies put her at a disadvantage for admission.
Although this precedent is set, the potential confirmation of Supreme Court justice nominee Brett Kavanaugh could affect future decisions made by country's highest court.
This summer, the Department of Justice sided against Harvard University in an issue regarding admission for Asian Americans and the Trump administration has encouraged schools to develop a "race-blind" selection process.
Does affirmative action work? What are the pros and cons of how the policy is applied in the United States?
How much should race and gender factor into decisions related to higher education? Are "race-conscious" admissions a step in the right direction or holding students back?
Guests:
- Albert Kauffman, professor at St. Mary's Law School
- Lynne Rambo, professor at Texas A&M University Law School
- Scott Jaschik, editor and cofounder of Inside Higher Ed
"The Source" is a live call-in program airing Mondays through Thursdays from 12-1 p.m. During the live show, call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
