Affirmative action and a principle of colorblindness

Abstract

Since the inclusion of affirmative action programs in numerous places of opportunity in our society there have been objections to these programs. This study will focus on the "colorblind" objection which relies on the belief that our Constitution mandates that all laws must not take race into account. With the analysis of court cases from the past century it is evident that this belief in colorblindness did not exist nor was it claimed to exist in the numerous cases dealing with segregation and racial subordination. It is concluded that this reliance on a principle of colorblindness in opposition of affirmative action is not well-founded, and coming at this juncture in society it does more hurt than help. There is a case analysis from four important cases from the Reconstruction and Jim Crow era which were heard by state and federal courts. A history of the colorblind principle is given and affirmative action cases are also summarized and discussed to give the reader a sense of the current judicial stance on the programs. Literature in favor of a colorblind principle is critiqued and support from other scholars is given.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2009

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Young, Kurt B.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Sciences

Degree Program

Political Science

Subjects

Dissertations, Academic -- Sciences;Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022369

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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