In some instances, there may be historical reasons for creating more specific goals and timetables. However, until the playing field is truly level, we reject the view that Asian Pacific Americans should be held to any higher standard than majority race applicants. Moreover, in the overall decisionmaking process, diversity can and should be a factor. In summary, affirmative action has received strong bipartisan support from congress, executive political support from eight successive Presidents and continued endorsement from the business community. Hiring or admissions decisions are made from a pool of applicants already determined to be qualified for the job or position, a fact often disregarded by critics of affirmative action.
Many factors make up a hiring decision, the award of a contract or the admission of a student.
Race and gender should continue to be utilized as factors in those fields where minorities and women continue to be underrepresented. Affirmative action measures are essential to the process of promoting equal opportunity whether in the legal system, the workplace, schools or other institutions.