One WSU perspective

A WSU undergraduate responses to an email regarding the topic of affirmative action in the college admissions process.  Her opinions offer insightful perspectives on how to approach this issue and helps people to understand the importance of affirmative action.

1. What are your first thoughts that come to mind when you think about affirmative action?  

What pops in my head first is that affirmative action is outlawed in the state of Washington so its always a mystery as to why people (specifically those against it) tend to argue about it. As for the thoughts that enter my head is that of anger. Affirmative Action is yet another policy that was implemented due to the fact that past policies ie Emancipation Proclamation, Equal Employment Act, and many other acts were never used. This is just another policy that has not been used affectively and furthermore, even when used drastic change has not occurred. Oddly enough when affirmative action is used it usually benefits white women, so it is a huge misconception that it is solely based on race….

2. Are you FOR or AGAINST affirmative action in regards to the role it plays in the college admissions process?

I am for Affirmative Action in regards to the role it plays in the college admission process. I believe that it opens doors, opportunities and avenues that were  not originally afforded to people who are at a loss, financially as well as racially.

3. Do you think affirmative action is still necessary?

Necessary is an understatement, it should be mandatory. The reason why I say this is because if it is used on a national scale then it will make a huge change. Also, I would say that it would force old ways out the door and accept new  ones.

Vhonda M. McElroy, ASWSU Chief Justice, WSU Undergraduate, Political Science/Sociology