Unaffirmative Action

Here in Missouri there is a group working to effectively eliminate Affirmative Action. Similar bills from the same group have already passed in California and Michigan. I listened in on a presentation implying that Ward Connerly, an African American businessman from California, was financially backing this legislation in different states for his own gain in kick backs. While I cannot verify any of the accusations, I do struggle with knowing what side to take on the issue.

At some point, most punitive legislation runs its time out, and it may no longer serve its original function. I heard some say that this will send us back in Civil Rights 60 years. I am just not sure. If the legislation actually worked, it should be repealed at some point otherwise it continues to give preferential treatment to one portion of the populous.

I cannot really say that I am a fan of Affirmative Action as it has been practiced. I really appreciate the scholarships that have spun out of it, but the lawsuit paranoia many business owners feel from having the right mix of diversity in their workforce seems to hinder business growth in some areas. I tried reading up on it this week, but I still cannot say that I like it as it has been written and practiced. The underlying assumption is that those who chose not to make a good social effort for a proper mix of diversity in their workforce are discriminating. While I am sure that this is quite possible in many cases, I struggle to believe that we need federal legislation that impacts every business.

You can read more about the history of Affirmative Action here and here, and about the group opposing the Missouri legislation here. It's worth a read just to know where you stand on the issue.

Can we legislate diversity in a constantly changing workforce and shifting business environment? Can you illegalize prejudice? Does punitive legislation serve to equal the playing field short-term and long-term? What are the long-term impacts of keeping or abolishing Affirmative Action?