Saying racial playing field is level only proves naivete

Editor,

The column by La Mont Chappell II in Monday's Daily Lobo contained claims that sparked debate among the students and staff of the African-American Student Services. The column claimed that affirmative action is out of date, institutional racism no longer exists, affirmative action was a temporary measure to level the playing field, students admitted by affirmative action will invariably fail, students admitted by affirmative action cannot compete with their peers, middle-class minorities are born with the same privileges as middle-class whites, and middle-class minorities do not need affirmative action.

Many may agree with one or more of these claims. However, the general consensus on the debate was that affirmative action may be out of date, but not for the reasons Chappell gives.

We believe that affirmative action was created for minority groups which, at the time of its creation, meant women as well as racial minorities. We also believe that institutionalized racism still exists; the playing field is still not level; statistics have not shown that students admitted through affirmative action will habitually fail; and middle-class minorities do not have the same privileges as middle-class whites.

We respect Chappell's life experiences and his perspective. The purpose of affirmative action is to give our nation a way to address the systemic exclusion of individuals of talent on the basis of their gender or race from opportunities to develop, perform, achieve and contribute. There are many ways affirmative action can be altered to better serve its initial intent. However, to claim that institutionalized racism no longer exists and that the playing field is level for everyone is naive.

There are countless contemporary examples in society to show this claim to be extremely false. Jena Six is a perfect example. Just because the fountains are no longer labeled does not mean that racism no longer exists. Justice Clarence Thomas is one of many examples of students who are admitted to universities through affirmative action who go on to succeed.

We completely agree with Chappell when he said, "People across America deserve to have the playing field evened, because those with fewer privileges are going to be at a disadvantage in almost every facet of life." This is very true and the exact reason why affirmative action is needed. Race and gender have been and continue to put people at a disadvantage. Money does not allow for the same privileges, as Chappell said.

Unfortunately our society is not color-blind, and racist thinking did not die with the civil rights movement.

Stephanie Rattler

African-American Student Services