New York Paralegal Blog

Here's an argument against eliminating DEI initiatives and civil rights protections, emphasizing historical context:  * Post-Civil War Amendments: The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments were designed to abolish slavery and grant Black Americans citizenship and voting rights. However, these legal guarantees did not translate into genuine equality.  * Rise of Jim Crow: Southern states enacted Jim Crow laws, enforcing segregation in schools, transportation, housing, and all aspects of public life. These laws, along with violence and intimidation, systematically disenfranchised and oppressed Black Americans.  * "Separate but Equal": The Supreme Court's Plessy v. Ferguson decision (1896) upheld segregation, codifying the idea that "separate but equal" facilities were constitutional. This doctrine legitimized racial inequality for decades. The Need for Continued Action:  * Lingering Disparities: Even with landmark civil rights legislation like the Civil R...

Affirmative action in college admissions is a complex and often misunderstood policy. Its core purpose is to create a more diverse student body, recognizing that factors beyond test scores and grades can indicate a student's potential for success and their contribution to the academic community. The argument for affirmative action rests on several key points:  * Holistic Review: Affirmative action is typically part of a holistic admissions process. This means colleges consider a wide range of factors, including academic achievement, socioeconomic background, personal experiences, leadership skills, and potential contributions to the university. It's not simply about admitting underqualified students based on race; it's about recognizing the value of diverse perspectives and experiences in a learning environment.  * Addressing Systemic Disadvantage: Affirmative action acknowledges that systemic inequalities can create barriers for students from disadvantaged...