Roger Clegg

In the following viewpoint, Roger Clegg maintains that the use of race-based affirmative action in college admissions is counterproductive. For one thing, he contends, racial preferences unfairly discriminate against students who had nothing to do with any prejudice experienced by the minority students being favored. Moreover, the practice of admitting less-qualified minorities to schools compromises educational standards; it also creates resentment among nonminority students and minimizes the achievements of blacks and Hispanics who do not need special treatment to get admitted to college. Clegg is vice president and general counsel of the Center for Equal Opportunity, a Washington, D.C.–based think tank.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Clegg, what are the three kinds of arguments typically used by those who support racial preferences in higher...