Carl Cohen

The original intention of affirmative action—the elimination of racially discriminatory practices—is honorable, Carl Cohen maintains in the following viewpoint. He contends, however, that the racial preferences that have arisen in the name of affirmative action are unfair and intolerable. This is especially noticeable on college campuses, Cohen argues, where the favoritism toward minorities in admissions policies has placed costly burdens on student populations. Preferred minorities are stigmatized because they are seen as needing special treatment to succeed, resulting in the humiliation of minority students and resentment among white students. Cohen is a philosophy professor at the University of Michigan and has served on that university’s admissions committees.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Cohen, when were racial preferences introduced?
2. In the words of Justice...