Using DNA Testing as an Admission Requirement into American Colleges

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Recommended: Impact of affirmative action on society

On March 7th of 2008 a moot court was held addressing racial preferences in higher education. The case, set in 2013, involves the University of Kentucky using mandatory DNA testing as a major factor in determining aid from affirmative action. The plaintiff, an African American, does not receive preference because through the test he discovers he is a quarter European. On the opposing side, the defendant is a Caucasian female who discovers she is part African American and is eligible for the preference pool. This document will address the idea of using DNA testing as an admission requirement and the issues this case presents.
There are many assumptions in this case based on our advancements on technology. The first is that we will be able to possess the capability of determining ethic origins through the test. Fortunately, we have reached that era in technology and can request a $99 exam through sites such as Ancestry or 23 And Me. However, we cannot determine the ease of access or know if it is being used for commercial means. If the cost is around one hundred dollars per person then that would be an unnecessary amount of funds being used to identify a person’s racial background. The current method of detecting fraud now does not require the university spending money because of the federal funds provided and the money is reimbursed by the student upon the sanction. If the students are required to pay for to test to cover the cost, several students would have negative consequences. Students trying to escape generational poverty already find it challenging to receive federal aid, and with a requirement like this it could potentially deter those students from college. This would also be another obstacle for first generation student...

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...ngly defend the argument of the plaintiff. Too negate a huge factor of a person such as culture would devalue our mission and principles. Statements like this can be recognized throughout all college campuses, including the University of Kentucky. It would be a stretch for them to validate this argument today.
My personal decision of this case would allow the plaintiff to receive affirmative action because there is no way to justify a percentage of race. People from disadvantaged backgrounds are already challenged by society with high expectations of failure and disappointment. Increasing these expectations limit the educational opportunities and hinder people from overcoming negative stereotypes. There will always be hardships because of societal constructs, but we in higher education can lighten the load by getting rid of one more hoop they have to jump through.

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