Affirmative action policies were initially implemented to address institutional biases and promote diversity among students. Without these policies, we risk significantly reducing the number of students from marginalized communities who have historically been denied access to higher education. This lack of diversity on campus can hinder cross-cultural understanding and create a homogenous campus culture.
A homogenized campus community is ill-equipped to prepare students for the real world, which is diverse and dynamic. Campus administrators need to take action to ensure that students graduate with effective communication skills for diverse environments, as these are highly sought after in the workforce.
Affirmative action also plays a crucial role in faculty hiring. Colleges and universities must actively recruit and retain faculty from diverse backgrounds beyond just race. It is imperative that administrators support the work of marginalized faculty to ensure genuine and successful hiring and retention.
Furthermore, eliminating affirmative action can lead to a skewed representation of an area’s demographics on campus. The absence of diversity within an area does not imply a lack of qualified minorities. Selecting students based solely on factors like high school experience or standardized test scores can unfairly advantage affluent students. This perpetuates systemic inequality and goes against the original intent of affirmative action.
Campus administrators must not underestimate the effects of eliminating affirmative action. Promoting diversity, inclusivity, and anti-bias training is crucial in providing equal opportunities for students from marginalized communities, enhancing campus quality, and ensuring students are prepared for the challenges of the modern professional world.
Investing in diversity and inclusion in higher education will not only benefit individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds but also contribute to creating a better, more globally competitive society.
