Understanding Affirmative Action in Education
As I sat down to read today's news about the US Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, my mind wandered back to my childhood experiences in school. It's a clear reminder of the complex reality of achieving true merit-based admissions in an unequal world.
At a young age, I was a bright, blonde, and seemingly perceptive child, always receiving top grades and effortlessly learning new material. My classmate, Deborah, the only black child in our predominantly white classroom, was often seen working hard and excelling in her studies. Our test scores were usually comparable, but I, as the 'first one' in the class, was consistently favored over her.
Challenges in Assessing Merit
The concept of 'merit-based' admissions often becomes distorted when dealing with a diverse student body. In my school and many others, the default assumption seems to be that a white student deserves more than a minority student, even when they have similar qualifications. This is because the minority student often had to work harder to overcome the prejudices and systemic disadvantages faced in their early life.
Deborah, my childhood rival, was a testament to the fact that minority students are not exempt from working hard. She was the one who had to work extra to break down barriers that I had no need to face. Yet, despite her hard work, I still felt a sense of entitlement for my spot in the class, fueled by the societal biases and quiet scorn around us. This mindset has stayed with me even decades later.
Reflecting on Personal Bias
How many names have I forgotten over the years? Yet, I still recall Deborah Wright's name 60 years later, not because of any outstanding achievements, but because of my shame. I remember her because I had no right to be 1 star in the class just because of the color of my skin. This complicates the idea of merit; who truly deserve the accolades is not always clear-cut.
Overcoming the biases presented in my childhood, such as believing in my superiority over Deborah, has been a daunting task. It took years to recognize the value in her efforts and the shortcomings in my own.
Addressing Inequality in Education
The current discourse on affirmative action is rooted in the need to level the playing field. It ensures that minority students, who have historically faced systemic hurdles, have a fair chance at success. Affirmative action does not mean favouring minority students over their white counterparts; rather, it acknowledges that they often started with a disadvantage. The intention is to provide a boost to those who, despite working hard, still face systemic barriers.
Deborah Wright, if you ever succeeded in a distinguished career, it would be due to your own merits and hard work. Even now, I hope that you found a way to navigate the obstacles and achieve the success you deserve. Affirmative action aims to help create an environment where every student, regardless of their background, has an equal chance to succeed.
It is crucial to recognize the challenges that minority students face and to strive towards a system where merit is truly the determining factor. By addressing these inequalities, we can ensure a more just and equitable society.