Beyond Affirmative Action: Alternative Approaches to Diversifying Higher Education Enrollments

The discussion on affirmative action in higher education often revolves around how best to promote diversity among enrolled students. While some advocate for affirmative action as a means to achieve diversity, others argue that focusing on equal opportunities might be a more effective strategy. In this article, we explore the validity of promoting diversity over merit and propose potential alternatives to affirmative action for achieving a more diverse student body in higher education.

Valuing Merit Over Diversity: A More Balanced Approach

Should we prioritize diversity over merit in the selection of students for higher education institutions? The question poses a complex dilemma: does a diverse doctor necessarily provide better care, or is the best medical practitioner the most qualified to treat a broken arm? Similarly, does a diverse engineer inherently design safer bridges, or does the best engineer have the expertise to do so?

Many argue that merit, as measured by test scores and GPA, should be the primary criteria for admission. After all, intelligence and academic achievement are not determined by skin color but by individual effort and dedication.

Educational Reform: The Key to True Diversity

In order to create a truly diverse academic environment, it is essential to address the root causes of unequal opportunities in early education. For instance, in the Indian system, teaching black parents and those from disadvantaged backgrounds how to encourage their children to study hard, excel in academics, and plan for college from a young age can make a significant difference. Such initiatives would ensure that students have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in higher education.

In the UK, the success of Saturday schools demonstrated that such programs can be effective in improving educational outcomes. These initiatives can be scaled up to target communities with the aim of reducing inequality in education and, consequently, in higher education admissions.

Nurturing Change at the Grassroots Level

It is crucial to initiate changes in the school education system to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to succeed. This involves funding proper programs within communities, rather than simply implementing affirmative action policies. Ignorance regarding education in disadvantaged communities can be addressed through accountability measures and performance-based requirements.

Unfortunately, addressing these issues can be controversial, with both sides—the racists and the marginalized—having valid concerns. It is not about convincing parents to invest in their children's education, as their actions often contradict their words. It is about making systemic reforms that benefit everyone and create a fairer society.

If I were in charge, I would target the root of the problem by ensuring that the education system performs effectively and equitably. This would not only benefit students in the long term but also pave the way for more merit-based admissions in higher education.

Conclusion

While affirmative action has been a widely debated topic, there are alternative approaches that can promote diversity in higher education. By focusing on education reform, early intervention, and merit-based admissions, we can create a more inclusive and equitable academic environment. The key is to address the root causes of inequality and ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.

Keywords: Affirmative action, diversity, equal opportunities, school education system, merit-based admissions