Board v. Bakke Trial: Religious Argument

Affirmative action is a "set of policies that was created to eliminate unlawful racial, religious, and gender discrimination among applicants in employment and education." Its aim is to increase opportunities for those that are underrepresented in areas of our society. From the perspective of The Board of Regents, affirmative action is necessary to provide minorities an equal chance at being accepted to their preferred universities. Although the argument may present itself that in order to be equal, every person of any race would have an equal chance at being accepted, there are other factors that need to be considered. 

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" (Psalms 19:1). Although we might all be equal as people, elements such as our upbringing can affect students' chances at getting into universities. The other perspective is that racial quotas can be seen as unfair to some people, but it is important to remember that although we were all created equally, it does not mean that we will all live a fair life with fair chances. It is no surprise that students brought up in white families would likely have better opportunities than those brought up as a minority. Statistically, white families were wealthier, which would allow for better education, leading to a higher member of accepted students. This leaves under-represented groups subject to racism and other disadvantages that may leave them on the outskirts of applicant lists. If these minorities remained with lesser education due to their disadvantages, then how could they ever break free from the cycle and become financially stable. Affirmative action is not a handout, but rather a "hand up." 

Affirmative action is also a major benefit to the college education system in ensuring diversity on the campus. Prioritizing diversity benefits students of all races as it helps accustom everyone to other races and helps improve any standing racial bias. If we live in a country that is diverse (America) then our schooling systems should reflect that. It is important for all students to learn life skills and understand that diversity is not going anywhere and that they need to learn how to work together and communicate. Of course, all though cliche, nothing states it better than The Bible in The Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Luke 6:31 and Matthew 7:12). In other, more common words, treat others the way that you want to be treated. Another quote from The Bible that supports this is: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith" (Ephesians 5:16-20 GNT). This backs the entire argument of treating everyone right as we all have the ability to do so.

With universities having racial quotas and using affirmative action, minorities and under-represented groups will have their chance. This doesn't mean that anything will be taken away from anyone else. The school systems should still have a holistic approach to reviewing their applications, but race will just play a more major role than before.