As Needs Evolve, the Law Revolves: A Study of Discrimination Laws in the United States

As Needs Evolve, the Law Revolves

As societal norms change, the laws of this land eventually must change as well. "Political correctness," a term coined and harbored upon, insists that persons are not referred to or defined by unacceptable terminology or previously conventional stereotypes. Laws that have been enacted based on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 still today undergo scrutiny as society's acceptance of newer forms of parity are recognized.

Over the last century, humankind has made significant increases in the fight against discrimination. Pioneers such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Susan B. Anthony have made progress in this fight. One would be completely ignorant to say discrimination does not exist today, although there is evidence that reactionary policies have been taken too far, ultimately creating reverse discrimination. When the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was created, it provided protection for all persons regardless of race, color, or national origin.

Today colleges and employers are given quotas and are forced to turn down qualified applicants based on their race or sex. One could easily interpret this as completely unconstitutional. Not only is this an injustice, it creates a sense of inadequacy for both mainstream and minority groups.

Affirmative action in higher education is creating an unfair environment for students who study and succeed in academics. Today students can gain entrance to colleges without meeting that college's requirements, simply so the college can maintain diversity. Two wrongs do not make a right. It was unfair to treat minorities without equality in the past therefore, it is wrong to treat majorities without equality in the present. Our country has progressed too far in the fight against discrimination to allow discrimination to exist in higher education due to affirmative action.

Today, there are far too many colleges, which rely...