The Purpose and Political Function of Affirmative Action

Affirmative action is when an action or policy favors those who have tend to suffered through discrimination, especially in relation to the workplace and/or education setting. In 1961, President John F. Kennedy signed the first affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and employees are treated fairly during employment[Article]. The purpose of affirmative action was to promote actions that achieve non-discrimination; this prevented employers from discriminating against minority groups.

Grutter v Bollinger

In June of 2003, the Supreme Court believed the admission regulation of University of Michigan Law School based their applications on race. Grutter was a residing Michigan state woman. Grutter filed an injunction against Michigan University, because her application has been declined by the university. Grutter perspective was the university, admissions office favored other applicants with below average academic records and qualifications, and they were accepted due to their race or ethnicity. The United States Supreme Court voted in favor of the University of Michigan, and also overturned Bakke v California, as well. The verdict was explained, “The law school admission process involved other facets outside of simply grades.” The perspective or ideal about this verdict, was there was no proof the school was accepting preferred candidates based on their race or ethnicity.

Critical Thinking

Sandra Day O’Connor did demonstrate a suggested way of critical thinking, due to she is simply asserting her opinion on issues, based on reason and evidence, rather than personal belief or one’s perspective. She based her article on a view or judgement about Grutter v Bollinger, and it was entirely based on the factors or knowledge. As a critical thinker, you should want to analyze and provide logical factors for your belief rather than start off with your perspective. For example, when she argued, the subject, affirmative action; she explained that it is constitutional if the race is treated as one factor, and the reasoning is to succeed the diversity at the educational facility. Critical skills, requires communication and reading skills. O’Connor used her idea with supporting information coming from the case, “Gutter v Bollinger,” and from the Powell’s perspective as well. Powell believed that this he should be accepted by university’s use of race to further an interest, “the attainment of a diverse student body.” Powell based his idea that everything was based on the First Amendment and his logic was in the academic freedom.

Understanding and resolving issues needs research and inquiry skills, and pulling together supporting evidence. Research skills are important in understanding and resolution of a complex issues, like affirmative action. Inquiry and gaining insight requiring asking the appropriate question. Being critical thinkers, we need to avoid bias and self-selective ideas, to interpreted data to fit in the world’s own views. Our research needs to be accurate, and also credible evidence, such as O’Conner’s article.

Cite this page