17th Annual Student Research Conference
Language & Literature
The controversy: Black and White perspectives on Affirmative Action
Chinaka I. Agwu
Dr. Hena Ahmad, Faculty Mentor
In 1965, Affirmative Action was first instituted by President Lyndon B. Johnson as a retaliation tool against discrimination and for those who were victims to it. It helped to increase the number of minorities in employment and higher education. It also helped to raise salaries for those that were usually underrepresented in the system. Since the 1960s, Affirmative Action has stirred controversy in the college environment. Some students question its existence in today's learning institutions, while others wrestle with its benefits and drawbacks. This study draws upon interviews conducted with eleven students, black and white, on the Truman State University Campus. Their responses mirror their fears and anger, and reflect their perceptions concerning the advantages and disadvantages inherent in the policies and decisions influenced by Affirmative Action in higher education. Their conclusions offer the many conflicting perspectives that students at Truman State University have on Affirmative Action.
Keywords: Affirmative Action, minorities, higher education, retaliation tool
Topic(s):English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 7-1
Location: VH 1304
Time: 8:30