Updated: September 27, 2011
What is affirmative action? How did it originate?
Affirmative action is a set of public policies that were created to decrease discrimination of students in higher education. The policies affect college admission enrollment of students with a variety of backgrounds and differ by state. Affirmative action was originally created in hopes of getting rid of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin.
Historically, the topic is polarizing among voters, educators and students. Many question whether it's hurtful or helpful to give preferential treatment to people based on their race, gender, or origins. Some believe the policies hinder the country's quest to become a "color-blind" society by creating animosity among groups. However, others believe there are natural inequalities in the education system that need to be more balanced.
Check out the slideshow below for the history of this controversial policy.
From JFK to today -- a history of policies surrounding affirmative action.
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