ABSTRACT
Michigan’s admissions policy, but the broader concept of affirmative
action, or governmental actions designed to help minorities overcome
the effects of past discrimination and compete on an equal basis with
the majority. Throughout the history of the United States, the majority
has erected social, political, and legal barriers that exclude minorities
from participating in the political process because of their race, gender,
religion, or other characteristics. This exclusion denies minorities the
core democratic principles of political equality and minority rights. The
effects of this sort of discrimination can persist even after the barriers
are eliminated.
