I believe that affirmative action is still a necessary tool to help minorities and create a more diverse classroom.

I believe that no person or race should be hindered by affirmative action, even though some feel it does. Admission should be based on academics and activities, but the amount of racism and discrimination is so heavily placed on minorities that they are running an uneven race and this admission policy cannot be done.

Urban schools are discriminated against so heavily that there are limited supplies, undedicated teachers, and under-funded facilities. I was surprised to find that a fellow student felt that there was little discrimination and believed fair treatment was present among school boards.

Just because you do not see racism and discriminatory acts on your television, it is present.

We are far from diversity in the classroom. Next time you are in class, look around. I rarely have a class where there are more minority students than fingers I have on one of my hands, and that's also counting me. Having a few minority students in a 50 student classroom isn't equality. Hopefully people can see that this is what affirmative action is and not be mislead into thinking it is a handout.

Branson Boykins
psychology and political science senior