2016 NATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST WINNER

Chinese American Citizens Alliance National Essay Contest 2016 – Essay Topic

The issue of affirmative action has once again entered the national dialogue. Most recently, the Supreme Court heard arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin concerning whether universities could take race into consideration when making college admission decisions.

Supporters of affirmative action argue that the practice is needed to help remedy a long history of discrimination against minorities. Supporters also argue that maintaining diversity in universities ensures that students can gain exposure to different cultures. Critics of affirmative action argue that the practice itself is discriminatory because it makes race an explicit factor for admission considerations. These critics also argue that certain minority groups, like Asian-Americans, are placed at a disadvantage because of racial quotas.

What do you think about affirmative action? Do you agree with its supporters who argue that affirmative action is necessary to preserve racial diversity in colleges and to remedy historical wrongs? Or do you agree with its critics who argue that the practice itself is racist and harms certain ethnicities? Or do you believe in something entirely different?

Click here to read the winning essay.

 

First place winner of 2016’s National Essay Contest is a student from the Oakland Lodge. Congratulations Iris Wang!