Shreya Reddy ’13
Affirmative action policies, in which colleges give preference to under-represented minorities, fail to serve their intended purpose by only “diversifying” a school on the surface and overlooking the unique characteristics that truly determine the success of students and the university as a whole. Idealistically speaking, each applicant should be considered holistically, not just by his or her ethnicity, gender, or race. A persons’ socioeconomic or racial background should be taken into consideration somewhat; however, these characteristics should not serve as significant factors that determine whether he or she is accepted. While some minority students admitted into particular schools have worked just as hard as their peers, it remains unfair for these students to be given a predetermined advantage in the competitive admissions process.
Ultimately, affirmative action was invented in order to increase the amount of diversity in colleges and universities. Sadly, the policies imply that diversity is only synonymous with race or class. It is important for colleges to come to the realization that every person is diverse in his or her own way, and therefore has something unique to contribute. There is not one singular method for determining diversity. In the end, the point of college is to pursue individual interests, to challenge a person, and facilitate academic and personal growth. However, in most cases, its main purpose is to serve as a pathway to a career. Consequently, colleges should give preference to students who show potential to succeed in the real world and to become an asset to future employers, not the students who should have potential based on their backgrounds. Furthermore, it comes down to the individual and whether he or she will put in the work to succeed. No amount of privilege and opportunity can ensure one’s success. Instead of the current affirmative action policies, colleges should accept the people who will make the most out of a college education because it is this education that will enable them to succeed, not their race or socioeconomic status.