The concept of affirmative action

You can hear many students complain about the unfair treatment brought about by affirmative action. Some say that it gives minorities an unfair advantage and that many of them are not qualified for university standards. In the article written by Danielle Holley for The Yale Herald called, “Let facts, not feelings, guide affirmative action debate,” she argues that many students debate about this issue and do not even understand the background and facts. Affirmative action encourages diversity, in which race and gender are considered in the admissions process. However, Holley argues that these two factors only act as a “plus” to a potential student’s application. This same concept can be seen in the admissions processes involving athletes and legacies, in which having outstanding athletic ability or having a parent previously attend the same school can act as “pluses” in the admissions process. Whether its diversity, athletic skill, or donations from alumni, the bottom line is that it all depends on what a student can give back to the university.