Some interesting facts and perspectives are emerging in the debate over SCA5 in California.
The bill would ask voters to decide on a constitutional amendment to reinstate the use of race in college admissions decisions at California public universities.
There has been much news coverage given to the outspoken opposition to the amendment from the Asian American community, particularly Chinese Americans.
More than 93,000 people signed a petition against the amendment.
Yet, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, the impact of SCA5 on Asian Americans is unclear.
Prior to California voters passing in 1996 proposition 209, which banned the use of race in admissions, offers to Asian American students to enroll at the University of California increased 44 percent.
After race based admissions were banned, offers to Asian Americans only increased 33 percent in the first 7 years after 209 passed.
At UC Berkeley, acceptance of Asian Americans rose 77 percent before 209 and just 14 percent after.
Will this information alter the opinions of race based admission and affirmative action any? I doubt it.
Emotions on this issue run high. People’s perspectives are based more on their personal experience or anecdotes they’ve heard from other people.
Hopefully we can reach the point where we can discuss this rationally and increase understanding of both sides of the argument of a very important issue.
You can read more about the impact of proposition 209 in the San Francisco Chronicle.
RE: Something new I learned in the affirmative action debate: The only thing we ask is “Equal Opportunity without regard to Race”, no more, no less.
re: Something new I learned in the affirmative action debate: For those who want diversity on campus, would you consider an alternative to SCA5. Please read Kahlenberg’s article on Slate.com titled “No Longer Black and White”.
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/j…