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
Identifier
DP0022369
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Document Type
Honors in the Major Thesis
Recommended Citation
Rolle, Drew G., "Affirmative action and a principle of colorblindness" (2009). HIM 1990-2015. 881.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses1990-2015/881