Guest Column: A Republican’s support of affirmative action, Why conservatives should join the fight for equality
The College Republicans recently posed this question to the Affirmative Action Office: “Is it racial discrimination to deny a person access to financial gain because of the color of their skin?” Do the College Republicans have anything better to offer? I call you to action – affirmative action.
Dialogue is important and someone needs to ask the hard questions, but the question that the College Republicans posed to the Affirmative Action Office has already been asked in one form or another and there is little that can be added to the debate in such a manner. It seems to me an attempt to back the Affirmative Action Office into a corner and catch them in their words. Asking that kind of question makes it look as if the Republicans are themselves already backed into a corner with only their wit as defense.
As a fellow Republican, I do not necessarily agree with all the principles and actions of the liberal parties or with affirmative action as a whole. But regardless of political affiliation, we cannot be so naive as to believe affirmative action is a complete failure or that it is altogether unnecessary. When we as Republicans fight against affirmative action, we appear to others as though we don’t respect everyone’s individual rights. We appear to be in denial that racism and discrimination have ever been a problem. Are we really as others perceive? I hope not. Ironically, the question makes it look like the College Republicans know what discrimination is, but their attitude toward affirmative action shows ignorance of history and naivety of human kind.
We need something extra – something beyond just common good will – to help fix thousands of years of bigotry and racism and discrimination. Right now, affirmative action is trying to be that fix.
Indeed, I have been dismayed when “disqualified” for scholarships, internships and other aid because I was not a woman, Native American, black or some other minority. A recent review of possible summer internships/scholarships resulted in nearly one third for which I did not fit the targeted demographic. Upon closer review, most of the opportunities encourage minorities or women, but did not disqualify others from applying. The total opportunities that I can take advantage of are plenty and probably number in the hundreds. In all practical senses, I am not limited in what I can do or accomplish, unlike others who have been forced backward by belligerent racism or discrimination.
Really, it is not the particular question that has me upset as much as the fact that it appears this generation is following the same path of bi-partisanship and political haughtiness. I expect leaders of the future to really know how to lead! I believe it is possible to have a difference of opinion while still guiding everyone, of all political affiliations, to better circumstances. Before you pose your trite questions, why don’t you formulate and publish a real, viable and complete alternative to what affirmative action is trying to accomplish?
Can the Republicans design a great system to help encourage diversity and reduce the effects of past racism without discriminating against individuals? Do we have anything better to offer? If so, then publish that. Universities and colleges should be a great place to develop new, revolutionary politics – let USU be such a place. Do something to show your peer Republicans and every other American that you can actually lead and are worthy of our support and votes, now and in the future.
Cade Perkins is a junior majoring in physics. Comments and questions can be sent to cperk@cc.usu.edu.