Introduction

If we are to believe that all individuals are created equal and that civil rights and freedoms are now extended to all, it begs the question: why is Affirmative Action still necessary to ensure inclusion and equity in institutions and American society? This prompts us to reflect on whether we have truly progressed and achieved genuine equality and inclusion. While Affirmative Action was never intended to be a permanent solution, it served as a steppingstone towards fostering diversity and inclusion. However, there are those who misuse Affirmative Action to discredit the hard work and accomplishments of the few who have benefited from it, asserting that their success is solely attributed to preferential treatment.

Leveling the Playing Field

The essence of Affirmative Action lies in its ability to provide access to the best minds from marginalized groups who may otherwise be disadvantaged. Affirmative Action addresses the reality that privilege can buy high SAT scores and secure admissions into prestigious colleges, while vulnerable groups lack such advantages. Recent incidents involving celebrities and individuals with special interests manipulating the college admission system highlight the coordinated efforts between testing administrators, certain schools, and wealthy individuals. If the privileged few continue to exploit their advantages and cheat the system, thus leapfrogging ahead of less privileged individuals, it becomes clear that Affirmative Action remains a crucial tool.

Persistent Discrimination

De facto and de jure discriminatory practices persist in our society, undermining equality and inclusion. Real estate appraisals that vary based on the property owner’s race, biased hiring practices in certain institutions that favor specific cultures, and disparities in how we police, prosecute, and distribute capital exemplify these ongoing forms of discrimination. The decision by the US Supreme Court to terminate Affirmative Action was premature, as it failed to consider the laws that safeguard equity, equality, and diversity, which are fundamental tenets of the US Constitution. Affirmative Action aligns with the constitutional ideal of ensuring that “All Men Are Made Free” and promotes equality. Our nation has not consistently upheld these principles, as some continue to impede equity and inclusion. Those who have endured years of discrimination are still grappling with the absence of generational wealth and opportunities required to compete and achieve the American dream.

A Regressive Political Decision

The political decision to abolish Affirmative Action disregards the progress made by individuals and their families who were minimally included in society through this program. It effectively erases years of advancement and undermines the potential for future inclusivity. Affirmative Action, while imperfect, has been an instrumental force in creating opportunities for those who have historically been marginalized.

Conclusion

Affirmative Action, although not intended as a permanent solution, plays a vital role in advancing true equality and inclusion. Its purpose is to rectify historical disparities and provide opportunities for marginalized groups to thrive. While progress has been made, the persistence of discrimination, privilege, and the unequal distribution of wealth and opportunities necessitates the continuation of Affirmative Action. To fully realize the American dream, we must recognize the ongoing significance of Affirmative Action and work towards a future where all individuals have equal access to success and prosperity.

Written by:

Rev. Renaldo McKenzie, Doctoral Student, Georgetown University, Graduate, University of Pennsylvania and Adjunct Lecturer at Jamaica Theological Seminary. Renaldo is Author of Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance. Email Renaldo at Georgetown.edu. Renaldo is Creator and Host of The NeoLiberal Round Podcast and YouTube Channel. Follow Renaldo McKenzie on Twitter.

This article was submitted to the Jamaica Gleaner and the Jacobins magazine for publication. There is another version of this article available in The NeoLiberal Journal at theneoliberal.com, entitled: The Continued Relevance of Affirmative Action in Achieving True Equality and Inclusion.

Note: This letter will be available in audio podcast on our Podcast streaming service: The Neoliberal Round on Spotify and or Spotify for Podcasters on Saturday by 8:00am US eastern time. Subscribe to the podcast for free and get notified.

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