The debate over affirmative action raged across America this week, from the chambers of the U.S. Supreme Court to the classrooms of UB.
On Wednesday, one day after the Court heard oral arguments on the issue, the UB Law College Republicans held a forum in conjunction with the Black Law Student Association to exchange opposing viewpoints on affirmative action practices.
Langston Mcfadden, vice president of the Black Law SA, said he has been trying to organize the forum since last semester.
"I wanted us to get together and expose views," Mcfadden said. "It is the only way to educate each other."
Bob Richardson, chairman of the UB Law College Republicans, said his group is inclined to disagree with affirmative action policies, but they are not as vocal as the Black Law SA on the issue.
Nevertheless, he said the forum was extremely valuable for his group.
"Just by being present, we got to hear their side," said Richardson.
The debate centered on the fairness of admitting minority applicants to universities in an effort to promote diversity on campus, a practice some white students claim puts them at a disadvantage to perhaps less qualified minority applicants.
People who attended the forum came down on both sides of the issue and were active in making their voices heard.
"Your skin color should not determine where you go in society," one audience member said.
Response to that sentiment was strong. Some audience members said there is not a level playing field between the education of minorities and whites, and therefore, minorities should receive preference during the admissions process.
"How do you expect them to be capable if they're not even educated the same?" asked an audience member.
Lindy Korn, a Buffalo area lawyer who specializes in employment discrimination cases, was invited to provide an expert opinion on the topic.
Korn said admission officers need to consider multiple factors, other than academics, when reviewing applications.
"LSAT and SAT scores have no real value," Korn said. "They are measures that are good for those good at taking tests."
The Court is hearing a case this week brought by white applicants to the University of Michigan who were rejected. They claim their rejection was a direct result of the acceptance of less-qualified minority applicants needed to fill race quotas.
Oral arguments from lawyers in the case were read aloud at the forum. Lawyers defending the University of Michigan's affirmative action policies repeatedly stated that affirmative action promotes diversity and must be preserved.
In response, some audience members said diversity does not necessarily mean a range of racial backgrounds and can come in many forms.
"Diversity of what? Diversity of experience? Diversity of thoughts?" one audience member asked.
While the forum presented starkly different viewpoints, Mcfadden said the forum was successful because the discussion stayed courteous.
"I was glad to see it get heated, but not uncivil," Mcfadden said. "There was no disrespect for opposing views."
Lindy Korn agreed and said the forum functioned smoothly.
"There was an emotional investment in the dialogue, yet it was respectful," Korn said. "The energy that flowed from the dialogue was very positive."
