Current Event Post #3
Topic: Education
Title of Article: Court upholds California affirmative action ban
Author: Christina Hoag
Publication: Associated Press
Date: 4/2/12
Words: 668
On Monday the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld California's affirmative action ban, passed by voters in 1996 as Proposition 209. This marks the second time that the 9th Court of Appeals has defended the law. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of affirmative action in 2003, motivating activists to continue their fight against the ban. "We think the decision is wrong," said Detroit attorney George B. Washington, who is representing the groups opposing the ban in the latest challenge, filed in January 2010. Since the decision was determined by a panel of three judges, Washington has asked the full appellate court to review the ruling in hopes of a different outcome.
Ralph Kasarda of the Pacific Legal Foundation, who argued in favor of the ban, is not surprised by the court's decision. "The bottom line from both decisions by the 9th Circuit — today's and the ruling 15 years ago — is that California voters have every right to prohibit government from color-coding people and playing favorites based on individuals' sex or skin color," Kasarda said in a statement.
The year following the adoption of the ban, acceptance of black, Latino and Native American students dropped by as much as fifty percent, according to the plaintiffs. Maria Belman, a history major at UC Berkeley, says the lack of diversity has created an unfriendly environment for minorities.
So far, five other states have also banned affirmative action in college admissions. They include Michigan, Arizona, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Washington.
Ralph Kasarda of the Pacific Legal Foundation, who argued in favor of the ban, is not surprised by the court's decision. "The bottom line from both decisions by the 9th Circuit — today's and the ruling 15 years ago — is that California voters have every right to prohibit government from color-coding people and playing favorites based on individuals' sex or skin color," Kasarda said in a statement.
The year following the adoption of the ban, acceptance of black, Latino and Native American students dropped by as much as fifty percent, according to the plaintiffs. Maria Belman, a history major at UC Berkeley, says the lack of diversity has created an unfriendly environment for minorities.
So far, five other states have also banned affirmative action in college admissions. They include Michigan, Arizona, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Washington.
Conclusion:
The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld California's legislation banning affirmative action in college admissions, despite the Supreme Court's decision in 2003 to legalize the practice. There are strong voices on both sides of the issue. Activists declare they they will continue their mission to have the ban repealed, and proponents vow to stand by the law that they say prevents colleges from discriminating against applicants.
Opinion:
For me, affirmative action is a very difficult topic. Though America is the land of opportunity, the rights of minorities have long been disrespected. It seems they deserve a chance given their position in today's society. On the other hand, playing with affirmative action is like playing with a loaded dice; the game is not fair. A majority is a majority, but each person in that majority is their own minority. If colleges start judging applicants based on physical characteristics, the system loses its legitimacy. Either way, I am glad I do not have to make the decision.
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