Isn affirmative action a form of reverse discrimination?
The concept of affirmative action recognizes the existence of historical discrimination as well as present discrimination against members of minority groups and women. It also includes the idea that every individual must be treated equally so that a position is awarded to the most qualified candidate. Affirmative action cannot change history, but it is designed, when properly implemented, to level the present playing field. Effective recruitment, which ensures the greatest likelihood of producing a diverse pool of candidates that includes minorities and women, is one way of implementing these ideas. Including such factors as a qualified candidate’s ability to provide diversity to a department, to serve as a role model for other employees and students, and to offer a range of perspectives in the evaluation and selection process is another.
