With the ongoing controversy over admissions policies in the UC
system, it is clear we are far from having adequately addressed the
role of race in university admissions. UC Regent Chair John Moores
is alleging that many students with lower SAT scores and GPAs were
admitted to UC Berkeley, and possibly UCLA, on the basis of race.
However, throughout this entire controversy, it is crucial to
remember that the enrollment of underrepresented minorities is
still shamefully low. As we approach Affirmative Action Day this
Oct. 30, it seems an opportune time to examine the problems caused
by Proposition 209 ““ and to consider the value of reinstating
affirmative action.
Affirmative action was effectively ended in California in 1996
by the passage of Proposition 209, a ballot initiative that was
partially written by Proposition 54 author Ward Connerly and backed
by then-Governor Pete Wilson. Also, in 1995, UC regents had passed
SP-1 and SP-2, which essentially curtailed affirmative action
before Proposition 209 finally destroyed the idea of engineered
racial diversity in university admissions. SP-1 and SP-2 were
repealed in 2001, but their repeal remains symbolic, since
Proposition 209 still curtails the use of race in almost all
decisions made by state bodies.
While all these propositions and proposals make the issue of
affirmative action appear legalistic and confusing, examining
simple data brings it into clearer focus. enrollment of blacks
dropped by 40 percent between 1997, the last year affirmative
action was still utilized, and 1998. enrollment of American Indians
dropped by 42 percent, and by 26 percent among Latinos. Since 1998,
those numbers have rebounded to roughly 1997 levels, but clearly,
ground was lost.
Why should this be such a major cause for concern?
Racial diversity brings a variety of perspectives to the
university setting, and helps people recognize that different
groups have faced different struggles. People of different races
often experience life, especially racial prejudice, in different
manners. To succeed in our diverse society, it is crucial that we
understand these perspectives. Diversity is beneficial to all
people, regardless of which ethnic group they happen to belong
to.
Many opponents of affirmative action argue that admissions
should be colorblind and only consider “merit,” like
GPAs and SAT scores. In a perfect system, this would be a laudable
goal.
However, the truth is that we are far from living in such a
utopia. A substantial number of the poorly-performing schools in
Los Angeles are almost entirely black and Latino, due in large part
to a combination of existing economic and educational disadvantages
due to past and present racism. Immigrants who fled from
U.S.-backed wars in Southeast Asia had not just their educations,
but their lives completely altered and disrupted. It is imperative
that this be taken into consideration. It is important to recognize
that the realities of our society do not resemble the dreamy
conditions affirmative action’s detractors see.
The playing field is not level. And, considering recent cuts in
education, it is unlikely to be even remotely equal in the near
future. Thus, it is unreasonable to assume that ignoring race is a
fair course of action at this time. Until race ceases to influence
people’s significant life experiences ““ or at the very
least, access to elementary education ““ affirmative action
must remain in place as a means to level the odds.
The question of affirmative action speaks to the larger issue of
various forms of privileges and handicaps in our society, and the
need to lessen the effects of those fissures.
Race, class, gender and sexual orientation are all constructs
which carry various forms of privilege to this very day. Many of us
enjoy at least one of these forms of unearned advantages, and the
sooner we recognize this, the sooner we can attempt to ameliorate
the damage caused. Affirmative action, while certainly not perfect,
is an attempt to do this.
The issue of affirmative action has both galvanized and divided
the UCLA campus, from bake sales to rallies against various
racially divisive proposals. USAC has played a major role in these
campaigns since 1995, as have student groups and individuals
participating in the UCLA Affirmative Action Coalition.
So this week, as we learn more about the over-hyped admissions
controversies at UCLA and Berkeley, and our student services and
fees remain in a poor state due to budget cuts, please contemplate
the issue of affirmative action. It concerns us all. Ultimately, it
is a matter of justice, civil rights and privilege that affects
every single one of us.
Where do you stand?
Bhaskar is a third-year political science student. E-mail
him at sbhaskar@media.ucla.edu.