Tuesday the U.S. Supreme Court backed Michigan’s constitutional amendment that prohibits affirmative action in the state’s public universities’ admission process.
The majority in the 6-2 vote felt Michigan voters should decide on such measures rather that the courtroom.
It seems that those six members of the high court have either forgotten that racism and discriminatory practices such as voter suppression still exist, or they are so far removed from the realities of this country, that they haven’t the slightest clue or consideration for the least of these.
Have the justices who voted to uphold Michigan’s affirmative action ban forgotten about the countless changes to state laws that are discriminatory?
In a perfect, fair and just society perhaps the Supreme Court could leave it up to specific states to fairly handle issues relative to race; however despite how far this country has come, we have not eradicated racial disparities, therefore, the Supreme Court should have voted to strike down Michigan’s ban on affirmative action. Would such a measure really have done more harm than good? I think not, but leaving the decision up to a state that has a proven track record of discriminatory practices certainly does more harm than good.
Currently Michigan, Florida, California and Washington forbid affirmative action in higher education. An interesting dynamic that proves the inconsistency and unfairness of such efforts is that each of those states still allows universities to give special consideration to athletes, children of alumni, and even students who reside in under-represented parts of the state. If Michigan and the other states are truly being good and fair stewards, they would restrict special considerations across the board. The fact that they don’t is discriminatory.
Comments in the dissent were passionate and noteworthy.
“The Constitution does not protect racial minorities from political defeat,” said Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. “But neither does it give the majority free rein to erect selective barriers against racial minorities.” Ginsburg and Justice Sonia Sotomayor were the only two who voted in favor of affirmative action.
It is important to note that each of the states that have banned affirmative action saw a consistent decline in Black and Hispanic enrollment since their respective bans were instituted. Such startling facts present yet another problem: the issue of diversity.
Yes, affirmative action is about allowing underrepresented minorities to gain access to universities, but it also promotes a culture of diversity that transcends race.
Diversity of thought is highly important and universities benefit from having diverse student populations. Ask any diversity or human resources expert and they would more than likely agree.
There has been some debate about adopting the affirmative action process relative to economic status rather than race. There may be some merit to that, as it is certainly an option to ponder, but I am adamant in my belief that racial minorities would still be underrepresented.
If there is an opening for discrimination or bias to get through, someone is destined to find the loophole and roadblocks for minorities in particular will continue to exist.
Michigan’s universities (and those of the other anti-affirmative action states) have and will continue to become increasingly less inclusive. The problem with such a transition is the modern world – the United States in particular – is becoming more diverse.
So what does that mean for Michigan, Florida, California and Washington?
It means that those universities and essentially their respective states become less competitive. As we evolve and jobs, schools, etc. become more global, we have to have talent that represents that…blocking or making the process particularly more difficult for certain demographics reduces our chances of succeeding in what has quickly become a global marketplace.
Quite simply, diversity is our strength. We need to promote it and exercise it in everything we do and that includes setting standards and putting policies in place that protect the underrepresented. We have come a long way in this society, but we still have a lot further to go. Inclusiveness will get us to our destination much quicker and the reward will be even sweeter.
You can email comments to Shannon Williams at shannonw@indyrecorder.com.