EOTO # 4

 EOTO # 4 

Ladies and Gentlemen, and Esteemed Judges,

I stand here today on the topic of affirmative action and how I feel it is unnecessary to have quotas for African Americans when historically black colleges and universities (HBCU's) provide educational opportunities for African American students. It is important to be clear about the historical context that gave rise to affirmative action in colleges. 

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed executive order 10925, which compelled government contractors to "take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are treated equally regardless of race, color, religion, and national origin."

Admissions to colleges and/or universities should be based on an individual's academic achievements, merits, and skills. Individuals should be judged on their qualifications and abilities rather than their race. If the Government really wants to fix the problem, they should start by improving the primary and secondary level education in the underprivileged communities to ensure that all students, regardless of race, have equal opportunities for academic success. Race should not be the determining factor of their educational path. Affirmative Action should be dismissed, this would promote fairness and an equal opportunity for all applicants. 

 HBCU has a history of providing African American students with access to higher education in an environment that embraces and celebrates cultural identity and heritage. These institutions have contributed to the success of enriching leaders, professionals, and scholars within the African American community. There are over 100 historically black colleges and universities in the United States. The top three are: Spelman College for women, known for its strong liberal arts programs; Howard University recognized for its business, law, and communication programs; and Morehouse College for men, specializing in liberal arts and sciences. With these schools in place affirmative action will only perpetuate a narrative of dependency. HBCU allows students to thrive without the need for preferential treatment in the admission process.

In closing, affirmative action policies are unconstitutional! If society and colleges insist on quotas this can be the end of the merit-based approach. An example of this was in the Board of Regents v. Bakke case. If an institution considers race as a factor in admissions, this will guarantee that applicants aren't treated equally. Furthermore, this can create doubts about the capabilities of minority individuals which will extend stereotypes rather than dismantling them. 

Thank you.

references:

www.epi.org

www.edtrust.org