CHAPTER SIX
The Struggle for Equal Rights

Take a Position

Read "Who Are We? Education in America." The data clearly show that disparities exist in education. One possible solution to eliminate the disparities is affirmative action.

Take a position: Should government implement affirmative action programs in college and university admissions to help eliminate education disparities between racial and ethnic groups?

As you develop your argument, answer the following questions.

• What factors account for these disparities in education? Think in terms of geography, economics, and community characteristics.
• How can these disparities be eliminated? Whose job is it to eliminate these disparities? Government? Universities? Individuals?
• Based on what you have read in the chapter, what arguments are given by supporters of affirmative action programs? Why are affirmative action programs so controversial? How do affirmative action programs fit into American political culture?