6. What is meant by affirmative action? What are the pros and cons of affirmative action? How has the Supreme Court dealt with the issue of affirmative action

Affirmative Action Pros: it helps women and men of all races, disabled veterans of all races, physically and mentally handicapped of all races, elderly of all races, racial minorities, and practically anyone who falls into a group that has been historically, politically, or socially disparaged. Affirmative Action Cons: When the rights of groups are valued more than the rights of individuals, then freedom has taken a back seat to government intrusion. Some also say it promotes reverse racism.

The Supreme Court of the United States upheld the right of universities to consider race in admissions procedures. In two lawsuits challenging University of Michigan admissions policies, the court ruled 5-4 in favor of the Law School and, by a vote of 6-3, reversed the University’s undergraduate policy, while still allowing for the consideration of race in admissions.