Affirmative Action Project
The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity focuses its research and scholarship on race, ethnicity and social justice. The central goals of the Institute include reframing the way that we talk about, think about and act on race and ethnicity, and deepening the understanding of the causes and consequences of and solutions to racial and ethnic hierarchy and disparity so that we can envision and realize a society that is fair and just for all people. We believe that affirmative action programs provide important tools for realizing that society.
What is Affirmative Action?
Affirmative action is a set of programs designed to provide equal access and opportunity to minorities and women . Typical affirmative action initiatives include targeted outreach and recruitment efforts, the use of multiple criteria (including those aimed to increase diversity) in admissions and hiring, and targeted training programs.
Why is Affirmative Action Important?
In the U.S. democracy we are all equal, but certain groups enjoy more societal advantages than others and have for centuries. Current statistics show the depth and breadth of modern day racial disparities, which are rooted in historical discrimination and modern-day structural racism/racialization. Generations of accumulated disadvantages have created significant barriers to opportunity for many groups. Affirmative action programs help minorities and women get over these obstacles and secure equal opportunity to achieve success.
Affirmative action also creates a diverse and culturally competent student body and workforce. In education, for example, racial diversity in the classroom helps students avoid or overcome stereotypes, improve cross-cultural understanding, and prepare for a racially diverse workplace. A racially integrated student body also ensures that a diverse group of leaders are trained and educated to make better decisions on issues affecting our multicultural society. Affirmative action programs, in education and other areas, are essential to the realization of a truly democratic society.
- Research Areas
Affirmative Action Ballot Initiatives Report (pdf file) Jessica Larson, Stephen Menendian (December 2008)