2008 Woodie Awards
Affirmative Action debated
By Brittany Cole
Rocket Contributor
Issue date: 11/4/05 Section: News
Members of the Black Action Society (BAS) debated the issue of Affirmative Action and whether it is necessary Thursday afternoon in the University Union lobby.
The panel included five Slippery Rock University students: Kevin Cauthrone, Javon Clark, Diana Riley, Justin Oliver and Jerry Greek.
"Affirmative Action is not perfect," Cauthrone said. "Economic racism is still prevalent among African-Americans. Life is segregated today, and Affirmative Action helps at least a little bit."
The panelists had different views on the topic throughout the debate.
"Affirmative Action is a positive step for minorities to progress to their rights to do what they can do," Oliver said.
The panelists debated with members of the audience on whether Affirmative Action is still necessary today or whether it should be abolished.
"I think it's necessary because it helps us to learn about our struggles, and relates to everyone in this room who is in college and trying to be something," Riley said.
Greek said he agreed with Riley.
"Affirmative Action should not be abolished because it's only beginning to level the playing field and bring opportunity to our country," Greek said.
When asked if Affirmative Action was a crutch to lean on, the panel was in agreement that it was not.
"It's not a crutch because we don't use Affirmative Action as an excuse to do what we want to do," Riley said. "We believe if we can do better, we'll get our rights. We're still trying to step up today because it's still a struggle."
Greek said he agreed.
"We need to shy away from the word 'crutch', it's more of an open door," Greek said. "Why can't it be a springboard? It can build strength, and it allows people to enter the field and become role models for the next generation."
All of the panelists agreed Slippery Rock University practices Affirmative Action often.
"I think I have seen more diversity in the two years that I have been here than I have seen in my life," Riley said.
The panel included five Slippery Rock University students: Kevin Cauthrone, Javon Clark, Diana Riley, Justin Oliver and Jerry Greek.
"Affirmative Action is not perfect," Cauthrone said. "Economic racism is still prevalent among African-Americans. Life is segregated today, and Affirmative Action helps at least a little bit."
The panelists had different views on the topic throughout the debate.
"Affirmative Action is a positive step for minorities to progress to their rights to do what they can do," Oliver said.
The panelists debated with members of the audience on whether Affirmative Action is still necessary today or whether it should be abolished.
"I think it's necessary because it helps us to learn about our struggles, and relates to everyone in this room who is in college and trying to be something," Riley said.
Greek said he agreed with Riley.
"Affirmative Action should not be abolished because it's only beginning to level the playing field and bring opportunity to our country," Greek said.
When asked if Affirmative Action was a crutch to lean on, the panel was in agreement that it was not.
"It's not a crutch because we don't use Affirmative Action as an excuse to do what we want to do," Riley said. "We believe if we can do better, we'll get our rights. We're still trying to step up today because it's still a struggle."
Greek said he agreed.
"We need to shy away from the word 'crutch', it's more of an open door," Greek said. "Why can't it be a springboard? It can build strength, and it allows people to enter the field and become role models for the next generation."
All of the panelists agreed Slippery Rock University practices Affirmative Action often.
"I think I have seen more diversity in the two years that I have been here than I have seen in my life," Riley said.
