1. Affirmative Action

2. Purpose Corrective measure for governmental and social injustices against demographic groups that are said to have been subjected to prejudice in areas such as employment and education Corrective measure for governmental and social injustices against demographic groups that are said to have been subjected to prejudice in areas such as employment and education

3. Counter past discrimination such that a strategy will no longer be necessary Counter past discrimination such that a strategy will no longer be necessary Targeted groups may be characterized by race, gender, or ethnicity Targeted groups may be characterized by race, gender, or ethnicity

4. People in positions of power are likely to hire people they already know, and/or people from similar backgrounds People in positions of power are likely to hire people they already know, and/or people from similar backgrounds

5. Enhance racial, ethnic, gender, or other diversity Enhance racial, ethnic, gender, or other diversity May argue that the end result- a more diversified student body, police-force or other group justifies the means May argue that the end result- a more diversified student body, police-force or other group justifies the means

6. Many claim it has unintended and undesirable side-effects and that it fails to achieve its goals Many claim it has unintended and undesirable side-effects and that it fails to achieve its goals Argue that it has reverse discrimination Argue that it has reverse discrimination New wrongs to counter old ones, victimhood in majority New wrongs to counter old ones, victimhood in majority

7. May increase racial tension May increase racial tension May benefit the more privileged people within the minority group May benefit the more privileged people within the minority group Claims that the practice is itself racist and/or sexist Claims that the practice is itself racist and/or sexist

8. Some feel that Affirmative Action is “reverse discrimination” and that we should stop giving special rights to certain groups while others are left out Some feel that Affirmative Action is “reverse discrimination” and that we should stop giving special rights to certain groups while others are left out

9. Other side says that Affirmative Action levels the playing field so people of color and all women have chance to compete in education and business Other side says that Affirmative Action levels the playing field so people of color and all women have chance to compete in education and business

10. White men hold 95% to 97% of high-level corporate jobs White men hold 95% to 97% of high-level corporate jobs 3000 federal court decisions in discrimination cases between 1990 and 1994, only 100 involved claims of reverse discrimination 3000 federal court decisions in discrimination cases between 1990 and 1994, only 100 involved claims of reverse discrimination 6 of these claims were found to be valid 6 of these claims were found to be valid

11. Against Affirmative Action: Affirmative Action isn’t necessary anymore because discrimination is illegal Against Affirmative Action: Affirmative Action isn’t necessary anymore because discrimination is illegal

12. For Affirmative Action: Women and people of color still face discrimination For Affirmative Action: Women and people of color still face discrimination 70% of schools are NOT in compliance with Title IX, the federal equal education opportunity law 70% of schools are NOT in compliance with Title IX, the federal equal education opportunity law

13. For every dollar earned by men, women on a whole earn 74 cents, African American women earn 63 cents, and Latina women earn 57 cents For every dollar earned by men, women on a whole earn 74 cents, African American women earn 63 cents, and Latina women earn 57 cents

14. 25% of all doctors and lawyers are women 25% of all doctors and lawyers are women Less than 1% of auto mechanics are women Less than 1% of auto mechanics are women Women are only 8.4% of engineers Women are only 8.4% of engineers

15. Against Affirmative Action: Women-owned companies get fewer contracts because there aren’t very many of them Against Affirmative Action: Women-owned companies get fewer contracts because there aren’t very many of them

16. For Affirmative Action: women- owned businesses don’t get their fair share of government contracts For Affirmative Action: women- owned businesses don’t get their fair share of government contracts Less than 3% of federal contracts go to women-owned firms Less than 3% of federal contracts go to women-owned firms

17. Less than 10% of state contracts and purchasing dollars go to women-owned firms, even though women own 39% of firms Less than 10% of state contracts and purchasing dollars go to women-owned firms, even though women own 39% of firms

18. Some feel that Affirmative Action should be based on economic need Some feel that Affirmative Action should be based on economic need

19. Some feel that Affirmative Action is necessary so that women and people of color of every economic class have the opportunity to enter all fields Some feel that Affirmative Action is necessary so that women and people of color of every economic class have the opportunity to enter all fields

20. Women and people of color should have chance to compete for jobs in the trades, construction, skilled labor, should have access to professional jobs in engineering, medicine and the law Women and people of color should have chance to compete for jobs in the trades, construction, skilled labor, should have access to professional jobs in engineering, medicine and the law

21. Against Affirmative Action: feels that Affirmative Action lowers standards in education and the workplace by letting unqualified people get ahead Against Affirmative Action: feels that Affirmative Action lowers standards in education and the workplace by letting unqualified people get ahead

22. For Affirmative Action: feels that it helps qualified candidates overcome racism and sexism For Affirmative Action: feels that it helps qualified candidates overcome racism and sexism By the time today’s college students are at the height of their careers, 1/3 of population will be comprised of African Americans and Latinos/Latinas By the time today’s college students are at the height of their careers, 1/3 of population will be comprised of African Americans and Latinos/Latinas

23. Some feel that they or their children can’t get into a school or their choice because of affirmative action Some feel that they or their children can’t get into a school or their choice because of affirmative action

24. Studies show that if half of the people of color who are admitted to schools under affirmative action programs were cut, the acceptance rates of white men would only increase by 2% Studies show that if half of the people of color who are admitted to schools under affirmative action programs were cut, the acceptance rates of white men would only increase by 2%

25. Against Affirmative Action: feels that no one else gets special consideration when applying to a college or for a job- why should women and people of color? Against Affirmative Action: feels that no one else gets special consideration when applying to a college or for a job- why should women and people of color?

26. For Affirmative Action: feels that lots of people get “special” consideration when applying for jobs or to schools For Affirmative Action: feels that lots of people get “special” consideration when applying for jobs or to schools

27. Veterans get preferences in workplaces and on campuses- which usually benefit men more than women Veterans get preferences in workplaces and on campuses- which usually benefit men more than women Children of alumni get preferential treatment over others in admission to college Children of alumni get preferential treatment over others in admission to college

28. Friends help friends and acquaintances get jobs Friends help friends and acquaintances get jobs Affirmative Action helps open doors for women and people of color who often don’t have those connections Affirmative Action helps open doors for women and people of color who often don’t have those connections

29. Many feel that Affirmative Action wouldn’t help them Many feel that Affirmative Action wouldn’t help them However, those for Affirmative Action feel that everyone benefits when discrimination is eliminated However, those for Affirmative Action feel that everyone benefits when discrimination is eliminated

30. Majority of families depend on the income of women Majority of families depend on the income of women When Affirmative Action opens up education, employment, and business, families and communities have greater economic security When Affirmative Action opens up education, employment, and business, families and communities have greater economic security

31. Business leaders understand that affirmative action is necessary to develop a strong workplace Business leaders understand that affirmative action is necessary to develop a strong workplace Helps insure that everyone gets the chance to contribute Helps insure that everyone gets the chance to contribute

32. Some say Affirmative Action=Preferences Some say Affirmative Action=Preferences Others say: Affirmative Action=Equal Opportunities Others say: Affirmative Action=Equal Opportunities

33. Those for Affirmative Action say the programs acknowledge that hundreds of years of discrimination cannot be erased in a few decades Those for Affirmative Action say the programs acknowledge that hundreds of years of discrimination cannot be erased in a few decades

34. Some feel that things are different now, and we don’t need Affirmative Action anymore Some feel that things are different now, and we don’t need Affirmative Action anymore Others feel that until women and people of color get equal pay and education, we need Affirmative Action Others feel that until women and people of color get equal pay and education, we need Affirmative Action

35. Between 1970 and 1990- number of black electricians more than tripled (14,145 to 43,276) and number of black police officers increased from 23,796 to 63,855- attributable to affirmative action plans with unions and local govts Between 1970 and 1990- number of black electricians more than tripled (14,145 to 43,276) and number of black police officers increased from 23,796 to 63,855- attributable to affirmative action plans with unions and local govts

36. 1955: only 4.9% of college students ages 18-24 were black 1955: only 4.9% of college students ages 18-24 were black 1965: 4.9% still 1965: 4.9% still Late 1960’s, 1970’s: 7.8% Late 1960’s, 1970’s: 7.8% 1980: 9.1% 1980: 9.1% 1990: 11.3% 1990: 11.3%

37. Hispanic: 1970: 5%, 1994 9% (holding bachelors or advanced degrees) Hispanic: 1970: 5%, 1994 9% (holding bachelors or advanced degrees) Blacks: bachelor’s or advanced degrees went from 4.5% of black population to 12.9% during same period Blacks: bachelor’s or advanced degrees went from 4.5% of black population to 12.9% during same period

38. Nebraska Approved a ban on government sponsored affirmative action Approved a ban on government sponsored affirmative action Bars local and state government from giving preferential treatment to people on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, or national origin Bars local and state government from giving preferential treatment to people on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, or national origin

39. Bans are already in California, Michigan, and Washington Bans are already in California, Michigan, and Washington Colorado? Colorado? Lawsuit pending in Nebraska though about the validity of signatures that put the issue on ballot Lawsuit pending in Nebraska though about the validity of signatures that put the issue on ballot

40. Michigan: Proposition 2 “Michigan Civil Rights Initiative” “Michigan Civil Rights Initiative” Ban use of gender and race based affirmative action programs in public institutions Ban use of gender and race based affirmative action programs in public institutions

41. What it did: Eliminate programs that help women achieve pay equity with men Eliminate programs that help women achieve pay equity with men Eliminate programs that encourage women to enter fields where they are underrepresented and could earn higher wages Eliminate programs that encourage women to enter fields where they are underrepresented and could earn higher wages

42. Eliminate outreach and other programs that inform women and minorities of opportunities to bid on and earn public contracts Eliminate outreach and other programs that inform women and minorities of opportunities to bid on and earn public contracts Eliminate programs that encourage female and minority students at the elementary and high school level to excel in reading, science, and math Eliminate programs that encourage female and minority students at the elementary and high school level to excel in reading, science, and math

43. Eliminate scholarships and programs that encourage women and minorities to enter medical, science, and engineering careers Eliminate scholarships and programs that encourage women and minorities to enter medical, science, and engineering careers

44. Michigan Michigan women are paid 67 cents for every dollar men earn, second largest wage gap between men and women in the entire country Michigan women are paid 67 cents for every dollar men earn, second largest wage gap between men and women in the entire country

45. In Michigan- African American households receive on average 39 cents less on the dollar in wages than white households In Michigan- African American households receive on average 39 cents less on the dollar in wages than white households

46. Michigan is one of the most racially segregated states in this country- communities of color often located in poorer neighborhoods; as a result, children of color often attend underfunded, poor-performing schools Michigan is one of the most racially segregated states in this country- communities of color often located in poorer neighborhoods; as a result, children of color often attend underfunded, poor-performing schools

47. Affirmative action programs are put in place to offset gender and race discrimination Affirmative action programs are put in place to offset gender and race discrimination

48. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission 1964- end discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment and to promote programs to make equal opportunity a reality 1964- end discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment and to promote programs to make equal opportunity a reality Since become responsible for ending discrimination based on age or disability Since become responsible for ending discrimination based on age or disability

49. Handles 75,000 to 80,000 charges annually Handles 75,000 to 80,000 charges annually

50. 1997: 79% of whites believe that African Americans have equal chance of getting a job as whites 1997: 79% of whites believe that African Americans have equal chance of getting a job as whites 46% blacks agree 46% blacks agree 44% of both groups feel that whites are highly prejudiced 44% of both groups feel that whites are highly prejudiced

51. 62% of both groups consider themselves to hold little or no prejudices 62% of both groups consider themselves to hold little or no prejudices

52. University of Michigan 2002: undergraduate program and law school take an applicant’s race into consideration during the admissions process, as do most competitive colleges 2002: undergraduate program and law school take an applicant’s race into consideration during the admissions process, as do most competitive colleges Violates Title VI of Civil Rights Act Violates Title VI of Civil Rights Act (bars racial discrimination by federally funded institutions) (bars racial discrimination by federally funded institutions)

53. Violates 14 th amendment- guarantees equal protection of the laws for all people in the country Violates 14 th amendment- guarantees equal protection of the laws for all people in the country University says it factors race as part of an effort to ensure that all students get the educational benefits of an ethnically diverse environment University says it factors race as part of an effort to ensure that all students get the educational benefits of an ethnically diverse environment

54. Feminist leaders wanted to uphold the program’s constitutionality Feminist leaders wanted to uphold the program’s constitutionality

55. Public Attitudes Popular support for programs has slipped in recent years Popular support for programs has slipped in recent years July 1995 poll: three options- affirmative action is “basically fine the way it is” “good in principle but needs to be reformed” and “fundamentally flawed and needs to be eliminated” July 1995 poll: three options- affirmative action is “basically fine the way it is” “good in principle but needs to be reformed” and “fundamentally flawed and needs to be eliminated”

56. 61% chose reform option, 22% chose elimination, and 8% favored the way it was 61% chose reform option, 22% chose elimination, and 8% favored the way it was

57. Racial split for support: 11% African American in favor of outright abolition of action, 24% of Caucasian in favor of abolition of actions. 15% African American in favor of status quo, 23% African Americans believe affirmative action has been bad for country Racial split for support: 11% African American in favor of outright abolition of action, 24% of Caucasian in favor of abolition of actions. 15% African American in favor of status quo, 23% African Americans believe affirmative action has been bad for country

58. California- Nov 1996 Approved Proposition 209 Outlawed racial preferences in operation of public employment, education, and contracting by 55% to 45%

59. 60% of white voters (including 57% of white women) supported initiative 60% of white voters (including 57% of white women) supported initiative 74% of black, 70% of Latinos opposed 74% of black, 70% of Latinos opposed Those who voted against: 50% said they believe Action should be relaxed or eliminated Those who voted against: 50% said they believe Action should be relaxed or eliminated 80% “recognize discrimination is still common in society today” 80% “recognize discrimination is still common in society today”

60. Podberesky v Kirwan 1994- University of Maryland scholarship program restricted to African American students- court struck this down 1994- University of Maryland scholarship program restricted to African American students- court struck this down

61. University of Texas Law School- divided applicants into two groups University of Texas Law School- divided applicants into two groups First- blacks and Mexican Americans, second all others. Applied different admissions cut offs to the two groups First- blacks and Mexican Americans, second all others. Applied different admissions cut offs to the two groups

62. Court held that the law school’s interest in diversity did not constitute a “compelling state interest” and that the school could not take race into account in any form in its admissions process (Hopwood v Texas) Court held that the law school’s interest in diversity did not constitute a “compelling state interest” and that the school could not take race into account in any form in its admissions process (Hopwood v Texas)