Expert: Michael Troy - 6/28/2005

Question
As to affirmative action programs, minority racial groups benefit from special places reserved for them. There is also a liability to keep a non-differentiation sexual platform. What is the 'formula' to find balance between reverse discrimination for both men and women of the discriminated-minority racial group, and women of the majority racial group?

Answer
Hi there,

Affirmative action does not always mean reserving places for minorities.  Reserved spots are called quotas and are usually considered illegal.  Most affirmative action today revolves around preferences or differences in the way applicants are considered.

I imagine lots of people could come up with lots of different formulas to decide what they consider fair.  Personally I don't think that any preference should be given for race or sex.  Rather, the focus should be on removing any unfair factors that cause a disparity based on the neutral criteria being used.

- Mike