The Unseen Students in the Affirmative Action Debate

By Sarah Mervosh and Troy Closson from NYT U.S. 

 In the affirmative action debate, there are often discussions and arguments that focus on the seen and known aspects of the policy, such as the impact on college admissions and diversity. However, it is essential to recognize that there are also unseen students who may be affected by affirmative action, but their experiences and perspectives are not always highlighted in the discourse. Here are a few groups of unseen students that are often discussed in relation to affirmative action:

Underrepresented Minority Students: Affirmative action aims to provide opportunities for historically marginalized groups, including racial and ethnic minorities. These students, who have faced historical disadvantages and discrimination, can benefit from affirmative action policies by gaining access to educational opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to them. Their voices are sometimes heard in the debate, advocating for the benefits of diversity and equal opportunities.

Low-Income Students: Socioeconomic status is an important factor that can influence access to quality education. Some affirmative action policies take into account economic disadvantage in addition to race or ethnicity. Low-income students from all racial and ethnic backgrounds may benefit from these policies, as they strive to level the playing field and provide opportunities to students who face economic barriers to education. Their perspectives and experiences should be considered in the debate.Asian-American Students: In the affirmative action debate, Asian-American students are often seen as a diverse group with differing opinions. Some argue that affirmative action

policies may inadvertently penalize Asian-American applicants due to perceived higher standards or limitations on the number of students admitted from specific ethnic groups. It is important to consider the perspectives of Asian-American students and ensure that their experiences are taken into account when discussing the impact of affirmative action.White Students: Critics of affirmative action sometimes argue that these policies can lead to the exclusion of qualified white students, particularly in highly competitive admissions processes. While affirmative action aims to address historical inequalities, it is crucial to acknowledge the concerns and experiences of white students who may feel disadvantaged by these policies or perceive them as unfair.

Their perspectives should be part of a comprehensive discussion.Intersectional Experiences: Affirmative action policies can intersect with other aspects of students' identities, such as gender, disability, or sexual orientation. Understanding how these intersecting identities may influence the experiences and perspectives of students is important to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the impact of affirmative action.It's crucial to have an inclusive and nuanced debate about affirmative action that considers the perspectives and experiences of all students involved, including the seen and unseen students. By acknowledging the complexity of the issue and recognizing the diverse impacts, we can work towards fair and equitable solutions.