Breaking Down Affirmative Action
The Pros, Cons, and Implications for Schools and The Workplace: Episode 27 (2023)
“I believe these large corporations and institutions must establish a system of accountability. They may resist change without it because they prefer to remain in their comfort zones. They incline to surround themselves with individuals who resemble them, share their language, and mirror their behaviors. When someone different enters the room, speaking uniquely or challenging established ideas, it often unsettles them. However, implementing a system that welcomes diverse perspectives is essential, as it ensures access to opportunities that benefit us all.” — Olabimpe (2023)
As always, we are delighted to welcome back our close friend, who is no stranger to the show, Olabimpe Shode! Our topic of discussion this week centers around the recent overturning of the “affirmative action decision” by the Supreme Court in the U.S.A. For our international audience members who may not be familiar with the terms or circumstances surrounding this, especially non-citizens of the U.S., Olabimpe and I will explain what it entails and provide a brief historical background.
Olabimpe and I want to clarify from the outset that we are not experts on this topic. However, due to the numerous discussions and debates we’ve witnessed on social media platforms, we felt a compelling need to dive deep into this subject and share our opinions. We will also share our individual experiences while attending Primarily White Institutions (PWIs), and various views and stances on this matter (those opposing, supporting, and those taking a middle stance).
Affirmative action is a policy aimed at addressing historical and ongoing discrimination, particularly in educational institutions. Its purpose is to provide and promote equal opportunities to underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. By considering factors such as race, gender, and ethnicity, affirmative action seeks to level the playing field and provide marginalized groups with increased opportunities.
Former President Robert Kennedy signed Executive Order 10–9–25 in 1961 to provide a brief historical context for the U.S. and affirmative action. This order mandated that government contractors take affirmative action to ensure that applicants and employees are treated regardless of race, color, or national origin. It affirmed the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities to citizens and immigrants.
In 2013, the Fisher case at the University of Texas, Austin, gained significant attention, especially for me. Abigail Fisher, a then-student, challenged the school, claiming racial discrimination against her as a White student. The case was eventually sent from the Supreme Court to a lower court for further review, emphasizing the University of Texas's need to constantly review its policies and decisions.
Olabimpe provides insights into her experiences in the educational systems of her previous universities. She attended two community colleges, one predominantly White and the other predominantly Black. The predominantly White college had higher academic standards, a different teaching style, and more effective educational systems than the predominantly Black ones. Other differences included dress codes and racial discrimination in both universities, with the expectation of always looking “good” and a certain appearance necessary for proper treatment in predominantly Black colleges. Olabimpe explains that conforming to these standards may divert individuals from their educational goals.
Diving deeper into our topic, we discuss the pros and cons of affirmative action, including individuals exploiting the policy for their gain and the need for colleges to explore alternative methods of achieving diversity and racism in workplace environments. Shifting to the topic of racism and discrimination in the workplace, Olabimpe shares her personal experience working in an environment predominantly occupied by White individuals. To fit in, she had to adapt her behavior, including her tone of speech and hand gestures. However, her breaking point was when a senior colleague spoke to her micro-aggressively, ultimately leading to her resignation. Despite thriving in her job and loving her work, the toxic environment became unbearable.
We conclude the show by briefly highlighting affirmative action's implications, pros, and cons. Implications include the ability to provide equal opportunities, address historical discrimination, promoting access to education, and increase diversity in workplaces. It also encourages organizations to revisit their hiring, admission, and administration policies in schools and companies. Discussing the pros of affirmative action, we emphasize how it acts as a check on discrimination against Black people and minority groups to a certain extent.
Regarding the cons, concerns include reverse discrimination, the need to prove oneself twice as much as some other races to gain opportunities, questions about meritocracy, and doubts about how one attained a certain level in the workplace or life. We also encourage “people of color like us” who find themselves in toxic work environments, urging them to prioritize their well-being and stay resilient.
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