Marjorie, I'm glad you added an apology to your post on affirmative action and the Supreme Court's decision to ban it. I'm in the camp of those who are deeply saddened by that decision. A tremendous argument FOR affirmative action can be seen in the carve-out described in a footnote to the decision. John Roberts, the author of the decision, noted that military academies are not to be affected by the ban, because it would affect national security. ! Wow!! A military that is less diverse would be less effective in protecting us.
But the carve-out was only for military academies. What of ROTC, the source of even more of our military's leadership? If our universities and colleges become less diverse, so will military leadership.
But are military leaders the only important kind of leadership in our country? How about teachers, principals, professors, ministers, political leaders, and leaders in industry and other areas across the board?
When we stop to think about it, we can see that while affirmative action may be (and is) disappointing for an individual poor white child who desires an education, and is passed over, a goal that should take precedence is the health and strength of our nation as a whole.
But why does that last sentence sound so unfeeling? Because It IS unfeeling and is, in my opinion, flat wrong.
Marjorie, you outlined in your post some of the ways we're trying to help all students. But this still is too patch-match--with too many students still falling through the cracks.
Under the leadership of President George W. Bush, the No Child Left Behind Act was enacted, continued later under President Barack Obama.
What we need now is determination to provide quality post-high school education for every student who qualifies.
I am concerned that my last article, "After Affirmative Action" might have been insensitive to the depth of hurt caused by the ruling of the Supreme Court regarding affirmative action. I am saddened that I have hurt people I love. I apologize for insensitivity and I want to recognize the legitimacy of feelings of deep hurt and anguish that this ruling has produced. I too grieve the loss of a wonderful opportunity that provided much hope and promise for so many young people of color. I pray for healing!
Great job sorting through this difficult topic! I have long believed that while affirmative action was needed, it has also created a terribly unfortunate wedge among poor white families that experieneced watching black folks getting a job or into a college when they did not. I believe it has been a much deeper pain than most realize and a big part of what led blue collar workers to notice that the political left forgot about them (which Trump saw and was able to take advantage of).
I agree that America will continue to work through these issues and move closer to equity.
Marjorie, I'm glad you added an apology to your post on affirmative action and the Supreme Court's decision to ban it. I'm in the camp of those who are deeply saddened by that decision. A tremendous argument FOR affirmative action can be seen in the carve-out described in a footnote to the decision. John Roberts, the author of the decision, noted that military academies are not to be affected by the ban, because it would affect national security. ! Wow!! A military that is less diverse would be less effective in protecting us.
But the carve-out was only for military academies. What of ROTC, the source of even more of our military's leadership? If our universities and colleges become less diverse, so will military leadership.
But are military leaders the only important kind of leadership in our country? How about teachers, principals, professors, ministers, political leaders, and leaders in industry and other areas across the board?
When we stop to think about it, we can see that while affirmative action may be (and is) disappointing for an individual poor white child who desires an education, and is passed over, a goal that should take precedence is the health and strength of our nation as a whole.
But why does that last sentence sound so unfeeling? Because It IS unfeeling and is, in my opinion, flat wrong.
Marjorie, you outlined in your post some of the ways we're trying to help all students. But this still is too patch-match--with too many students still falling through the cracks.
Under the leadership of President George W. Bush, the No Child Left Behind Act was enacted, continued later under President Barack Obama.
What we need now is determination to provide quality post-high school education for every student who qualifies.
I am concerned that my last article, "After Affirmative Action" might have been insensitive to the depth of hurt caused by the ruling of the Supreme Court regarding affirmative action. I am saddened that I have hurt people I love. I apologize for insensitivity and I want to recognize the legitimacy of feelings of deep hurt and anguish that this ruling has produced. I too grieve the loss of a wonderful opportunity that provided much hope and promise for so many young people of color. I pray for healing!
Great job sorting through this difficult topic! I have long believed that while affirmative action was needed, it has also created a terribly unfortunate wedge among poor white families that experieneced watching black folks getting a job or into a college when they did not. I believe it has been a much deeper pain than most realize and a big part of what led blue collar workers to notice that the political left forgot about them (which Trump saw and was able to take advantage of).
I agree that America will continue to work through these issues and move closer to equity.
Valuable, well-written thoughts on a very difficult subject. ❤️