I am responding to Joseph Blaim's letter on affirmative action ("Affirmative Action causes grad rates" SN 3/2). Affirmative action is a condescending policy? You have got to be kidding. This policy is neither preferential, nor shortsighted as Mr. Blaim puts it.

Affirmative action was originally designed to counteract the virulent racism that permeated all areas of life for African Americans in this country. As you know, it presently extends to other groups as well. It is about promoting diversity, creating opportunities for people and safeguarding against discrimination. Yes, discrimination does still exist.

Furthermore, Mr. Blaim does not seem to realize that college standards are the same for everyone. No one can just waltz into an institution on the basis of race; a variety of factors are included in the college admissions process.

I especially would like to know where Mr. Blaim got his statistics on the effects of Proposal 209 in California universities. Yes, the effects on campuses were not uniform, but in many cases the enrollment numbers for African Americans and other groups dropped significantly. Thus, Proposal 209 was a devastating blow to the mission of affirmative action.

Let's be real here. In my opinion, opposition to affirmative action stems from the belief that blacks are inherently incapable of competing in institutions of higher learning and other intellectual arenas. Until this belief and the discrimination and hostility that results from it cease to exist, measures need to be taken to ensure that people receive equal access to opportunities.

Diane Hightower
English junior