Are we not, as people of the United States of America, all created equal? According to the University of Michigan we are not, we are judged by our ethnic background, not who we are as people. Three white students are challenging the school's admission policies as unconstitutional racial discrimination. The white students applied to the University of Michigan, but were rejected, while black, Hispanic, and American Indian candidates, with somewhat lesser qualifications, and credentials, were given preferential treatment, and admitted into the University. The University of Michigan uses a point system to screen thousands of possible applicants, and a member of a minority receives a 20-point bonus, out of the possible 150, just based on this or her ethnic background. Not based on his or her qualifications or credentials. The University states that this bonus in the point system, that the minorities receive, is affirmative action. The critical issue in this case is whether or not affirmative action is discrimination? A University should not judge an applicant based on his or her ethnic background, nor should he or she be given preferential treatment just based on his or her background. .
In order to discuss affirmative action, it needs to be defined first. Affirmative action policies required that active measures be taken to ensure that blacks and other minorities enjoyed the same opportunities for promotions, salary increases, career advancement, school admissions, scholarships, and financial aid that had been exclusive to the whites. Affirmative Action would ensure that a member of a minority is treated just as fairly as a member of a majority. The minority member would receive the same bonuses as the member of the majority.
Judging a person based on his or her ethnic background is considered discrimination. For example if two applicants are applying for a position in a Firm, and one of the applicants is of a minority background, and the other is of a majority background.