The Issue of Race

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Race has consistently been one of the most highly debated issues in the education field for decades. It is often a central factor in Supreme Court cases, such as the recent Schuette V. Coalition which prohibited the consideration of race admissions in Michigan, as well as the focus of student campaigns such as “I, too, am Harvard” which aims to create a voice for underrepresented students. Overall this issue can be broken into two main topics, representation and opportunity, two interconnected subjects, that without which it is difficult for any individual of group to find success.
Just as in matters of women’s rights, the plight of minorities in higher education is a matter which stems from lack of representation. On both high school and university campuses, minority teachers and proffers are scarce, and minority students make up a minute portion of colleges student bodies. This issue is perpetuated through state and federal laws, as well as the policies of universities, in a fashion highly reminiscent of De Jure segregation. For example, since California prohibited the consideration of race in the admissions process, the percent of minorities accepted into California colleges has dropped dramatically. This is an issue which impacts all, not just underrepresented individuals, as society becomes more globalized, diversity continues to grow in importance. Underrepresentation restricts all from being able to experience the true diversity of the world as creates an inaccurate portrait of society. Without adequate representation it is difficult for a groups issues to be addressed, which continues to leave behind groups that have already been disenfranchised for many years. Lack of representation leaves minority students isolated and i...

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...f certain oppurtunities to succeed. Also, increasing the representation of underrepresented groups will solve the issue of lack of opportunity. By allowing students to be fairly represented, it increases the likelihood of their issues being given a voice, and gives students as well as the following generations of minorities greater access to opportunity.
As society grows more complex and globalized, it is important that education adapts to match the changing world. Currently students from underrepresented groups continue to be disenfranchised because they lack the representation needed to access opportunity and by continuing to dismiss this issue, society cannot grow. The issue of race in education may not be “solved” immediately, but it can be improved and by doing so not only will more people given access to opportunity, society will also also enriched as a whole.

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