That is where affirmative action comes in. Affirmative action differs from equal opportunity. It requires overt action and special effort to overcome the historic exclusion of women and minorities, as well as other protected classes, from full participation in American society. Affirmative action can, therefore, expand the range of talent available to American society and to American students. Affirmative action, moreover, can lead to greater diversity of people and programs, and that can help us all learn more about the cosmopolitan and varied society we live in.
Affirmative action is a matter of principle.
Virginia Tech is committed to equity, human rights, and human dignity. If we acknowledge the fact of historical exclusion and believe that we must play some role in correcting that exclusion, where better to act than here, in our own professional community, where we can make significant changes. Affirmative action is a matter of sound social policy. Through social policy and action, we can bring word and deed more closely together. We can begin to realize the values we readily uphold and advocate.