Hernandez 1 Edwin Hernandez John Kubler English 114A 17 September 2013 Academics Matter Many people have a mixed

opinion and perspective on Affirmative Action. On Thursday we discussed about the case of Abigail Fisher who applied to the University of Texas and was not admitted for being of the Caucasian race. People have been fighting for decades for no racism and equal rights, there has been slight progress, but there is still a lot of it in our society. People should not be looked upon by their race but by their abilities and their assets. From the discussion in class, my position was on the con side and thats where I will stay. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did not believe in excluding races. Reverend Martin Luther Kingcalled for a day when every American would be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of the skin (10). I agree with Martin Luther King Jr., a great and wise man that we shouldnt be excluding people for their race and we should not look at the color of skin you have but your personality and ability. For example, the University of Texas should have seen Abigails academics and not seen her as being white. This quote used is self explanatory and it says what is basically happening in this world. Our ancestors fought for equality for all races, Abigail Fisher is one more example that the fight continues. As mentioned in class we should be looking at academic scores and their level of education. The Undisputed reason for that denial is that she is whitewhile those favored with admission despite lesser academic qualifications were of different racial classifications (10). I dont approve of what was done here, they should not have been choosing by race but by her merit and studies. Even though I am minority, my opinion is that its unfair to not admit someone who

Hernandez 1 works twice as hard and has a better Grade Point Average (GPA). Rather than admitting someone that hardly does their work but is a minority. This demonstrates to our society that we dont have to put hard work to obtain a goal. This is the wrong message that is being sent and it might lower the level of academics in our schools in the distant future. Even though the minority are being helped in getting a better opportunity there are some individuals that cant handle the level of work. Racial preferences in admissions have proved harmful to the very minority students that are supposed to be helped (13). The Universities choose race over academics because they believe they are giving a helping hand but they should account for academics because there are some students that may not be able to handle the pressure. Some students will be put with high expectations that they may not be able to meet and the outcome may be to dropout. By admitting students in this manner, the college could be leading certain students to a downfall. Or they may be helping someone to succeed and prosper. But what do I know? Im not admitting students. I believe that affirmative action is a negative subject because of it seeing race over academics as was in the case of Abigail Fisher. Abigail had everything to succeed in the University of Texas but could not do it there because she was white. She was not allowed admission to her dream school because of her race even though she was more than qualified to attend UT. I believe that merit, education and hard work should be the qualities of acceptance to a university and not your race. Abigail Fisher exposed this situation and now its our job to overcome this racial barrier.