I am opposed to H.R. 1909 and other efforts to eliminate or weaken affirmative action. Affirmative action began thirty years ago to supplement this country's abstract commitment to equality with practical means to acheieve it. It called upon those in control of schools and workplaces to open their doors to women and people of color and so to make opportunity available to all. Affirmative actiob was necessary thirty years ago because self-conscious, positive efforts were required to question and correct the discirminatory habits and practices that had closed off opportunities to more than half of the U.S. population. Sadly, it remains necessary still because race and gender discrimination continues to be a barrier in attaining the American dream.
Affirmative action serves many purposes.
It is a recruitment mechanism that makes good on the country's promise to incorporate women and people of color into the social institutions that have historically excluded them. It offers individuals whose race and gender too often stamop them as inferior a chance to demonstrate their abilities. It recognizes and cultivates talents that create role models for hope and aspiration in younger generations. It creates diversity in schols and workplaces that reflects the diversity of our multicultural society and so prepares us all to respect one another for our diferences as well as our similarities. It honors heterogeneity and invigorates society by calling upon everyone to contribute to it.