

How Affirmative Action Changed Their Lives
55 snips Jul 13, 2023
In this discussion, Richard V. Sims III, Emeritus professor of medicine, shares how affirmative action shaped his medical career amidst systemic racism. Tyler Austin Harper, an environmental studies professor, explores the complexities of college admissions and identity. Recent high school graduate Jia Shin reflects on her experiences with college applications and the pressures of representation. Together, they navigate the profound impacts of the Supreme Court's decision, revealing a spectrum of emotions about affirmative action's legacy.
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Discrimination in Healthcare
- Richard Sims' father, a qualified physician, faced discriminatory practices.
- He couldn't admit patients to the local hospital without a white attending physician.
Affirmative Action and Harvard
- Dr. Sims believes affirmative action played a role in his Harvard Medical School acceptance.
- He felt others had "levers", like legacy or donations, while his was race.
Harvard Medical School Experience
- Dr. Sims experienced low expectations and subtle racism during his time at Harvard Medical School.
- This negative experience led him to skip his own graduation.