Affirmative action in the 1990s

Why did affirmative action become so controversial in the 1990s? How did affirmative action in the workplace differ from affirmative action in education?

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Sample Answer

Affirmative action became so controversial in the 1990s for a number of reasons.

  • Changing demographics: The United States became more diverse in the 1990s, with a growing population of people of color and immigrants. This led to increased competition for jobs and educational opportunities.
  • Economic recession: The United States experienced a recession in the early 1990s, which led to job losses and increased economic hardship. This made people more fearful of losing their jobs to people of color and immigrants.
  • Political backlash: Some politicians began to use affirmative action as a wedge issue to divide voters. They argued that affirmative action was unfair to white people and that it led to reverse discrimination.

Full Answer Section

Affirmative action in the workplace and affirmative action in education differ in a number of ways.

  • Goals: The goal of affirmative action in the workplace is to increase the representation of people of color and women in the workplace. The goal of affirmative action in education is to increase the representation of people of color and women in higher education.
  • Methods: Affirmative action in the workplace can be implemented through a variety of methods, such as targeted recruitment, hiring goals, and mentorship programs. Affirmative action in education can be implemented through a variety of methods, such as race-conscious admissions policies, financial aid programs, and academic support programs.
  • Legal challenges: Affirmative action in the workplace and affirmative action in education have both been challenged in court. However, the Supreme Court has upheld affirmative action programs as long as they are narrowly tailored and do not impose an undue burden on white people.

Examples of affirmative action in the workplace

  • Targeted recruitment: Employers may target their recruitment efforts to colleges and universities with high populations of people of color and women.
  • Hiring goals: Employers may set hiring goals for people of color and women.
  • Mentorship programs: Employers may pair employees of color and women with mentors who can help them to advance their careers.

Examples of affirmative action in education

  • Race-conscious admissions policies: Colleges and universities may consider race as one factor in their admissions decisions.
  • Financial aid programs: Colleges and universities may offer financial aid programs to students of color and women.
  • Academic support programs: Colleges and universities may offer academic support programs to students of color and women.

Despite the challenges, affirmative action remains an important tool for promoting diversity and equity in the United States. It has helped to create opportunities for people of color and women who would not otherwise ha

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