In 1961, President John F. Kennedy wrote that employers need to "take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, creed, color, or national origin." Later, in 1964, President Lyndon Johnson enforced affirmative action. In the past 53 years, our culture has changed. 

So, is affirmative action still necessary?

Liberals say yes. There is still a clear divide in our country. Minorities are still discriminated against quite frequently. Affirmative action simply gives a little extra push to those who need it. Colleges should have race requirements. Going to college is meant to be an experience where many different people co-exist. Not only this, but if somebody works extremely hard, there is no reason to deny them based on race.

Conservatives say no. Sure, affirmative action was needed at one time; however, discrimination no longer exists in major cases. Universities are admitting people with average credentials because they are minorities, and denying those who are extremely qualified, because there is no more room in the class due to the minority population. Everyone should be given equal opportunity.

Where do you stand?