The History and Impact of Affirmative Action

This chapter explores the history of affirmative action, from its origins in the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the introduction of racial quotas. It discusses the negative impact of affirmative action on black students in elite institutions, challenges the notion that higher-rated institutions provide a better education, and examines the consequences of forcing students into fields that do not align with their interests. The chapter also discusses Clarence Thomas' opinion on affirmative action and the importance of confronting the burdens of history for improving opportunities for minorities.