Victoria Sanchez

Prof. Fernandez
English 101A
Spring 18
Annotated Bibliography: Should race be considered for college admissions?
Affirmative action is a policy that considers race for allowing equal
opportunities for minority groups that have been victims of discrimination. Affirmative
action is a policy that is implemented in jobs and colleges. There has been debates on
whether race should be a factor when looking at college admissions. The purpose of this
topic is to argue against those who discredit affirmative action by claiming that it allows
favoritism towards minority groups.
Source 1:
Strauss, Valerie. "Why We Still Need Affirmative Action for African Americans in

College Admissions." Washington Post, 3 July 2018, SIRS Issues Researcher,

sks.sirs.com/webapp/article?artno=0000254613&type=ART. Accessed 25 April

2018.

Summary: In this article, “Why We Still Need Affirmative Action for African
Americans in College Admissions,” journalist and author Valerie Strauss argue that being
“colorblind” to race does not work to fight discrimination. The article brings up the
argument of using an economic class instead of race and the author uses statistics and
facts to combat them. For example, Strauss mentions that considering economic class
would only further allow more racial disparity between blacks and whites. She argues
that this would only benefit the youths of all minority groups who are in low-income
neighborhoods but would not consider middle-class families. In addition, Strauss claims
that “White middle-class children are more likely to prepare for, apply to, and graduate
from college than black children with similar family incomes.” The author’s point is that
that the practice of “colorblindness” is unjust and that it will only lessen racial diversity
from higher institutions.
Assessment and Reflection: It is quite useful as it does contain a lot of statistics and
facts that could be used for the essay. It’s one of the most helpful sources as it cites
multiple people on either side. It’s objective as it still considers the arguments from
opposing views but backs up the claim with a logical approach. It shapes my argument by
claiming that a change to the policy would lessen diversity which would be a point that I
would argue. The goal was to persuade readers to not approach “colorblindness” in terms
of college admissions. It hasn’t changed what I thought and it further cements it.
Source 2:
Kaufman, Ben, and Wyatt Smitherman. "Affirmative Action: Should Race be a Factor in

University Admissions?" University Wire, 27 April 2015, SIRS Issues Researcher.

sks.sirs.com/webapp/article?artno=373286&type=ART. Accessed 25 April 2018.

Summary: In the article, “Affirmative Action: Should Race be a Factor in University

Admissions?” authors Kaufman and Smitherman argue over whether race should be taken
into consideration in college admissions. The article splits between the two sides, with
each author on their stance. First, Kaufman asserts that bias towards race in affirmative
action is not as relevant as people claim it is. He argues that it gives opportunities to
minorities in lower upbringings as it would allow them to be equal with ones who are not
from that class. On the other hand, Smitherman argues that the policy has changed from
what it was originally intended. The purpose is to allow the readers to view either side
and allow them to choose whether race should be considered.
Assessment and Reflection: The article is unbiased, and it is interesting to view how
the authors countered each other. The article could be used in shaping my argument by
finding out what other arguments the opposing side would use. The goal of the article as
previously said is for the audience to choose which side they support.
Source 3:

Abascal, Maria, and Delia Baldassarri. “Don't Blame Diversity for Distrust.” New York

Times, 2016, p. SR.10. SIRS Issues Researcher, sks.sirs.com/webapp/article?

artno=383400&type=ART. Accessed 25 April 2018.

Summary: In the article, “Don’t Blame Diversity for Distrust,” authors Maria Abascal
and Delia Baldassarri assert that racial diversity isn’t to blame for distrust between
minority groups and whites. In this article, the authors argue that putting aside affirmative
action would further increase the obstacles that minorities face but would also allow
intolerance towards these groups to stay. Abascal and Baldassarri insists that this distrust
is due to discrimination, racial profiling, and political issues. The purpose of the article is
to show how diversity does not increase racial tensions, but other issues are to blame.
Assessment and Reflection: This article is relatively easier to look over as it isn’t only
statistics. The article is concise, and it would mention a point that can be used to argue for
one of my claims. That point would shape the claim by saying that discrimination is
already there regardless of whether the policy was implemented or not. It is more biased
compared to the other articles, although, it’s more helpful in finding reliable information
easier. The goal of the article was for the audience to consider other factors in terms of
why there is racial tension between minority groups and whites. The article didn’t change
my opinion, but it did broaden how I see the effects of affirmative action.
Source 4:
Willingham, A. J. "What People Get Wrong about Affirmative Action." CNN Wire

Service, 2 August 2017. SIRS Issues Researcher,

sks.sirs.com.fcep.ohlone.edu/webapp/article?artno=0000401868&type=ART

Accessed 25 April 2018.

Summary: In the article, “What People Get Wrong about Affirmative Action,” author
and journalist A. J. Willingham clears up the myths and incorrect assumptions about
affirmative action. Willingham focuses on the arguments made against affirmative action.
For example, he says that race is not an automatic guarantee to university admissions.
The purpose of this article was to show how affirmative action does not easily give
admissions as people say it does.
Assessment and Reflection: This article is concise and reliable as it can be used to
argue for one of my claims. That point would shape the claim by addressing the points
made by those who oppose it and backfiring with facts. The article is not biased and it
was an eye-opening article on my knowledge of this subject. It did not change my
opinion as it showed more information that would be helpful. The goal of the article was
to address the myths made about affirmative action.
Source 5:
"Does the Nation Still Need Affirmative Action?" Washington Post, 7 August 2017, pp.

A.14. SIRS Issues Researcher, sks.sirs.com.fcep.ohlone.edu/webapp/article?

artno=0000398971&type=ART. Accessed 25 April 2018.

Summary: In the article, “Does the Nation Still Need Affirmative Action?” the
editorial board covers the statistics of minority groups in higher universities and address
the government’s efforts to investigate affirmative action. The editorial board addresses
that diversity would be lessened and that minorities remain to have lower numbers in
universities regardless. The editorial board mentions changing the policy for the benefit
of non-minorities will only impact the racial diversity and make the numbers lower. The
purpose of the article was to address the government’s actions in impeding universities’
efforts to uphold racial diversity.
Assessment and Reflection: This article contained lots of statistics that were a lot more
updated compared to the other articles. The article also mentioned about society’s efforts
in changing race-based admissions which was a point I have not thought about. The
article would shape my argument by the facts it held about the numbers of minorities. It
also mentioned how there is still progress for minority groups to have more opportunities
which I could mention. The goal was for the audience to see that the numbers of
minorities should not be overlooked.

Source 6:
Ramakrishnan, Karthick. "A College Debate Based on Fear." Los Angeles Times, 7 March

2014, pp. A.17. SIRS Issues Researcher,

sks.sirs.com.fcep.ohlone.edu/webapp/article?artno=0000360895&type=ART.

Accessed 25 April 2018.

Summary: In the article, the author centers on whether debates of affirmative action
are rooted in-group bias or principles. The author mentions how people fail to address
that their fears of their racial group losing college admissions could be why they don’t
support affirmative action. The author still chooses to be unbiased though, as the author
would prefer that people argue over the importance of affirmative action. The purpose of
the article is to highlight how some might not support affirmative action.
Assessment and Reflection: This article brings up a lot of information that I could use
to argue against the opposing side. The article is reliable, and it’s not biased as the author
does point out the issue for both sides. Although I could use the article to see what
exactly the other side believes in for affirmative action. Overall, the goal was for readers
to be informed on why someone might not support affirmative action.
Source 7:
Bollinger, Lee C. "Race Matters." Los Angeles Times, 9 October, 2012, pp. A.11. SIRS

Issues Researcher, sks.sirs.com.fcep.ohlone.edu/webapp/article?

artno=0000346139&type=ART. Accessed 25 April 2018.

Summary: In the article, the author addresses the importance of race in college
admissions. The author mentions that ignoring the concept of race would only cause more
trouble than it's worth. For example, they mention the well-being of minorities would be
at risk if these policies were not continued. The policies are for the benefit of everyone,
and the author mentions that minorities would face more marginalization if they were not
enforced. The purpose of the article is to show that race is not just another factor in
college admissions.
Assessment and Reflection: Overall, the article mentions facts not previously stated in
other articles. It addresses the mental health and self-esteem of minorities, this would be a
study that I would consider putting in my essay. The article is not biased as the author
does understand why people would prefer focusing appeal on income rather than race. In
addition, the article’s goal was for readers to understand the complexities of race and that
it’s beyond just admissions for opportunities.
Source 8:
Higginbotham, Michael F. "Race-based Affirmative Action Is Still Needed." New York

Times, New York Times, 27 April 2014,

 www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/04/27/should-affirmative-action-be-

based-on-income/race-based-affirmative-action-is-still-needed.

Accessed 25 April 2018.

Summary: In the article, the author argues that race-based college admissions are
what is needed not income-based admissions. The author compares the treatment of
minorities from today to the past in terms of college admissions. The author mentions that
minorities are still facing racial disparity regardless. In addition, they mention that the
treatment of minorities still needs to be atoned for as rates of unemployment and more
are twice that of whites. The purpose of this article was to explain why affirmative action
is needed to make up for the past and for today’s treatment of minorities.
Assessment and Reflection: The article is a lot more forward and a little biased
compared to the other articles. Although, the information is helpful as looking over past
studies and such would be useful for the paper. The article is also credible as well due to
the author’s certifications. Overall, the article’s goal was for the audience to grasp on that
race-based admissions isn’t just an option, it’s needed.
Source 9:
Wicks-Lim, Jeannette. “Why We All Need Affirmative Action.” Dollar/Sense, November

2014, www.dollarsandsense.org/archives/2014/1114wicks-lim.html.

Accessed 25 April 2018.

Summary: In the article, the author addresses that affirmative action dismantles the
racial profiling and stereotypes out upon minorities. In the article, “Why We All Need
Affirmative Action,” author Jeannette Wicks-Lim mentions that “affirmative action
policies combat racism in a critical way. By integrating “preferred positions in society,”
affirmative action policies undermine racist intuitions entrenched in the American psyche
—intuitions that stop people from acknowledging the full humanity of black people, in
particular” (Wicks-Lim). The author notes that affirmative action allow individuals to
judge minorities as “human-beings,” the microaggressions and racial intuitions are
lessened once they’re in a more diverse place. The purpose of this article is to show the
readers the effects of affirmative action on the views of minority groups.
Assessment and Reflection: This article cites many sources for its content. The article
takes a different approach as they mention other negative effects without affirmative
action. The article would have to be used for arguing against the other side. The goal was
to show that affirmative action is the way to combat racist intuition and profiling.
Source 10:
Aung, Khin Mai. “Point/Counterpoint: Affirmative Action Benefits Everyone.” ABC

News, ABC News Network, 7 November, 2007, abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?

 id=3832928&page=1. Accessed 25 April 2018.

Summary: In the article, the author claims that affirmative action is important because
it pushes toward acceptance for minorities in an educational environment. It also benefits
from the progress of today’s economics. It is beneficial for everyone as they will be
exposed to the varying views that people hold. The author emphasizes that affirmative
action isn’t creating bias or preferences for gender or race. Rather, affirmative action
removes the issues that minorities face when having access to opportunities. The purpose
of this article is to show the readers that affirmative action pushes for this agenda of
acceptance for minorities rather than putting them on a pedestal.
Assessment and Reflection: This article sums up the claim that I have for my paper.
The article mentions an argument that I can consider for the essay. In addition, the article
is objective and credible as it cites studies. The article would be one that I would look at
for references and such, as it would help keep my claim focused. The article would
remind me that this paper isn’t just research and that it is argumentative. The goal of the
article was for readers to see that affirmative action isn’t just racial or gender preferences
and that it is more integrable than what people think.