What is affirmative action in education?
Affirmative action in education is a set of practices used in Washington State and across the country to address racial inequality and increase diversity in educational settings. It is a set of policies, laws, and organizational goals designed to promote the equal access to education for all students, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Affirmative action can come in the form of preferential admissions policies, recruitment and outreach efforts, curricular reforms, and other forms of incentive and support for historically underrepresented groups. In Washington State, affirmative action programs span from K-12 schools to post-secondary institutions. K-12 schools may focus on fostering an environment where all students can thrive, such as by offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses for diverse students and providing resources for special education students. Post-secondary institutions, meanwhile, may have policies that provide advantages to certain minority groups, such as providing preference in admissions to students from underrepresented backgrounds. Affirmative action in education is controversial and it is important to consider the relevant laws and policies carefully when considering implementation in Washington state. In 2003, a court case (Grutter v. Bollinger) determined that race could be used as a factor in college admissions. However, this was largely overturned in a later case (Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin) in 2016. Therefore, it is important to consult with legal counsel when considering how affirmative action policies can be implemented in educational settings in Washington State.
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