A necessary remedy

The use of race-based preferences is not only appropriate but necessary in education and all other fields where racially discriminatory practices have unjustly made the playing field uneven.

Whites have received preferences in education, employment, housing, the courts and in just about every facet of life for more than 300 years. How, then, does the playing field become level just because we have finally decided to end such practices?

Race-based preferences, in certain specific instances can be a viable means by which to attempt to level the field.

Sen. Trent Lott's statements enabled intelligent Americans to see clearly that racism is alive and well. This is not just a Republican problem or a Democratic problem, but an American ill. We must end it.

Until we appropriately address the past, present and future consequences of racism, white supremacy, cultural degradation, economic exploitation, political subjugation and white preference, America will not have lived up to the principles of freedom, justice and equality.

Marvin "Doc" Cheatham

Baltimore

So long as de facto segregation exists, as it does in kindergarten through 12th grade in the schools in big cities throughout the United States, race-based preferences for college and graduate school admissions are appropriate.

They are appropriate because black students in the de facto segregated schools face psychological harms and social and educational disadvantages compared with students in schools with predominantly white populations.

The psychological harms caused by de facto segregation are evident from the past and present meaning of segregation - that whites consider blacks inferior or unworthy of associating with and that such attitudes are reflected in the dominant white culture.

The social disadvantage comes from the inability of minority students to associate with and relate to white colleagues.

The educational disadvantage from segregated schools comes from inadequate physical facilities, textbooks and equipment, a lack of trained and experienced teachers and a culture that causes many students not to see the value of education.

Thus for black students from de facto segregated schools to gain admission to college and graduate schools, they must be given preferences to overcome the racially based disadvantages wrought by segregated lower-grade schools.

And race-based preferences encourage the diversity necessary for black and white students to associate with one another and gain a better understanding of the role race plays in their lives.

Lawrence B. Coshnear

Baltimore

As a senior in high school, I am well aware of the difficulties in getting into college. But I am also aware of the many forms of prejudice universities use in the admissions process.

Athletes, for instance, are hardly ever as qualified academically as most of the applicants, but they bring in money, and are therefore given preference. Children of alumni have done nothing but have smart parents, yet they get an edge in the acceptance process, too.

Universities use preferences to attract students who will bring in more money. So why not give preferences that will make their community more well-rounded?

Sarah David

Baltimore

The writer is a senior at Pikesville High School.

If the use of affirmative action is appropriate anywhere, it is in education.

Society has an obligation to help those who have been wronged.

We need to help because it is the right thing to do and because it would make our society stronger.

James White Susanna White Annapolis

Anyone who studies American history knows that racism and classism have always been a big part of the American experience, and likely always will be.

But the way The Sun's question is framed would suggest that we all start from a level playing field, and it is simply a question of choosing what group we prefer.

However, whites have always been preferred in this country, and to fail to recognize this fact takes denial to a new level.

J. Russell Tyldesley

Catonsville

I think race-based preferences are appropriate in education and other fields.

The idea that everyone has an equal chance to succeed is a joke. And the way some minority children start out in life, some of them truly deserve a preference here and there.

Thomas Boyle

Laurel

I must admit that, as a white male, I would feel wronged if I were passed over in favor of someone with lower grades.

But as a society we make choices all the time that benefit the community as a whole while an individual loses out. We choose, for instance, to build roads and dams even though those whose land is taken for these projects suffer.

There often is some tension between what "I" need and what "we" need. This tension is not easily resolved.

But a case can certainly be made that "we" - as a college, a community, or a nation - benefit from diversity, and a college is certainly justified in using its admissions policy to enhance diversity.

Andre Papantonio

Baltimore

Race-based preferences help ensure equality and fair consideration to everyone.

It is a harsh reality that non-white persons have always faced, still face and always will face discrimination.

More non-white, non-Christian, non-Western persons need to be in administrative positions so that progress can be made toward world unity and world peace.

Michael J. Grzelecki

Lutherville

I think diverse learning environments are important. Thus accepting a member of a minority race instead of one from the majority may be necessary.

Diverse learning environments help educate students both inside and outside the classroom. And a diverse environment also prepares students for life outside of college and for their future in a world where they will encounter a variety of people.

If two prospective students have similar qualifications, I think it is acceptable for the college to give preference to the minority student.

But in all other cases, I believe affirmative action is unjust.

Michelle Brenstein

Baltimore

Affirmative action is necessary to redress years of institutional racism and repression of minorities in the United States.

The fact that this is still needed in 2003 is apparent, as Sen. Trent Lott, Sen. Bill Frist, U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, President Bush and many other racist Republicans are still using code words and subtle appeals to white racists to win elections.

Roger Fitzgerald

Hampstead

Since the establishment of our country, one race has benefited from the exclusion of others. And it is impossible to devise an admissions system that is race-neutral.

A system that gives more weight to test scores or gives preferences to the sons and daughters of a college's alumni is not racially neutral, because one race has a verifiable advantage in those areas.

And if the court rules against the University of Michigan, couldn't there be another lawsuit stating that the traditional approach to college admissions is discriminatory?

What is so amazing is that people are quick to tear down a system designed to let more people in, but they never offer suggestions on how to correct a system that is fraught with systemic racial preferences.

James Dow

Baltimore

Consider the needs of society

Having served on medical school and graduate school admission committees at Johns Hopkins University for more than a decade, the issues of affirmative action are all too familiar to me. And while some argue that affirmative action permits less-qualified minority applicants to block better candidates, this argument is misleading and inaccurate.

Minority members are only a tiny fraction of the students admitted to most institutions. Moreover, standards for admission for all applicants are much higher now than they were 30 years ago - so if anyone is under-qualified, it is those of us past the age of 50.

Absolute quotas based on race, or any other identifier, are unappealing. Nevertheless, admissions decisions are very difficult and are based upon numerous factors.

Grades and test scores are quantifiable, but they may reflect an applicant's access to private schools, professional tutors and expensive preparatory courses. And disadvantaged applicants often have to hold jobs, which reduces the hours they have to study.

And it is much more difficult to quantify the important subjective qualifications we see in extra-curricular activities, letters of recommendation and interviews.

And how does one calculate the desire in the heart of a young, working-class applicant who is the first person in his or her family to attend a university? How do we factor in the need for professionals in inner-city locations, which is a common career goal for minority applicants?

Moreover, how do we as a society look past the grim fact that role models are severely stressed by the presence of more African-American males in prison than in college?

Universities exist for the benefit of the whole country, and the representation of all ethnic groups is essential.

Unlike computer dating, university admissions is a very difficult process that involves numerous factors. This process can only succeed if admissions committees are allowed to accept the candidates they feel are most outstanding, based on objective and subjective qualifications as well as the needs of our society.

Dr. Peter Agre

Baltimore

The writer is a professor of biological chemistry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.