iCitizenForum

We want to believe that the United States is a meritocracy, in which individuals can advance as far as their talents and ambition take them. African Americans, and others, have not shared equally in these opportunities. For nearly half a century, affirmative action programs have attempted to remedy the historic injustices of discrimination.

The purpose of affirmative action is to create equality of opportunity. It provides minorities their fair share of seats in college classrooms, jobs in factories, or memberships in clubs. But at what point do programs meant to improve equality restrict individual freedom too much?

How do we balance the need to right past practices with the idea that Americans should be allowed do business with, hire, or associate with whomever they choose?