New York Paralegal Blog

In the second installment of our series on Affirmative Action, we shift our focus to the arguments underpinning its continued necessity. Proponents assert that the playing field is not yet level, and that systemic barriers and the long shadow of historical disadvantages continue to impede true equality of opportunity for racial minorities. This isn't about ignoring merit, but recognizing that merit is often stifled by deeply ingrained societal inequalities. The Unseen Hurdles: Systemic Barriers Imagine a race where some runners start with hurdles in their lanes while others have a clear path. This is the reality created by systemic barriers. These are not isolated incidents of prejudice, but rather institutionalized practices and policies that, while seemingly neutral on the surface, disproportionately disadvantage minority groups. One stark example lies in the use of credit reports in employment. For many, a credit score is a reflection of financial responsibility. However, due t...

By: Joel Irving  The tragic death of George Floyd under the knee of a police officer ignited a global firestorm, forcing a reckoning with entrenched issues of race and justice. In the aftermath, commentator Candace Owens offered a contentious assessment, largely focusing on Floyd's past and questioning his character, thereby, in the view of many, deflecting from the actions of law enforcement on that fateful day. Owens declared George Floyd "neither a martyr or a hero," pointing to his criminal record and suggesting his death was attributable to fentanyl rather than the officer's actions – a claim that starkly contrasts the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's ruling of homicide due to "cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression." This rebuttal is not to canonize George Floyd, nor is it to ignore the complexities of any human life. Instead, it is to refocus the lens on the conduct of the state's repres...

By: Joel Irving  Welcome to the first installment of our four-part series delving into the complex and often contentious topic of Affirmative Action. This discussion aims to move beyond soundbites and explore the nuanced perspectives surrounding these policies. In this initial piece, we'll examine the core ideal of meritocracy, a vision often championed by figures like Candace Owens, and contrast it with the less-than-perfect reality of human behavior and historical discrimination. Candace Owens often champions a vision of a colorblind society where individuals are judged solely on their merit. It's a powerful and, in many ways, appealing ideal. The notion that every person, regardless of their background, should have an equal opportunity to succeed based purely on their qualifications, hard work, and talent – whether in securing a job or gaining admission to a top-tier university – resonates deeply with the American dream. In a truly perfect world, this is precisely how thing...