Well, maybe not the world… But the nationwide debate on affirmative action is heating up, on this, the 56th day of battle.

1. UCLA Daily Bruin: State should pass bill recognizing diversity

   The big news that the UCSD Guardian covered last week is making its way throughout the UC system. Yesterday, the Daily Bruin reported on AB 1452, otherwise known as the Prop. 209 Killer. Today, they posted their editorial in support of the bill:

   The state Legislature and governor should pass the bill as the first of many steps necessary to ensure California’s universities are proactive about accessibility and diversity.
   —
   The University of California has acknowledged the bill won’t change current selection policies, and its opponents are quick to point out that Proposition 209 fully limits its impact.

   But, it is still a worthy bill – if for no other reason than that it is the first expression of concern from the state since it ruthlessly halted momentum on increasing the diversity of university students in California.

   “Ruthlessly halted momentum”? The only paper that can be more overly dramatic than this, is… the Daily Cal. If I know my Daily Cal, then I expect an article on this bill sometime this week. Followed shortly by an editorial urging its passage, though stating that it does not go far enough. Man, this is too easy.

2. The Badger Herald: Two Articles

   This paper is by the fine students of the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

   Article 1: “California legislators to consider race-based admissions“

   Yeah, this one is also about AB 1452. I told you this bill would be Big News. Props to the Badgers for covering this before the Daily Cal…

   While the affirmative action debate shows no signs of slowing down, the state of California may soon begin using race as a characteristic for admission to California’s public universities.
   —
   The bill passed through the Higher Education Subcommittee with a 5-1 vote and currently sits waiting to be addressed by the Appropriation Committee. The Committee must make their decision on the bill before June 3.

   Despite Nunez’s claim that AB 1452 is not affirmative action, the debate is still going strong, and many have kept their eyes turned to California.

   Article 2: “Institute critical of affirmative action“

   Double props for even mentioning this recent Cato Institute study detailing the great harm of affirmative action. I haven’t seen this study receive much play in the mainstream media. The Daily Cal has not mentioned it, even though Berkeley is quickly becoming ground zero in this debate.

   Many have hailed the question of whether affirmative action hurts or helps students of color as the next great argument in the affirmative-action debate.

   “The effectiveness of racial preferences is absolutely the next battleground for this issue,” Gryphon said in an e-mail. “Now that it is clear the courts will allow preferential policies, it is important to take a long look at whether they achieve their intended goals.”

3. The UW Daily: Affirmative Action Bake Sale

   This is a different UW, the University of Washington at Seattle. Today is looking to be a controversial day for their campus, as their College Republican group is holding an “Affirmative Action Bake Sale.” The Berkeley College Republicans held a similar event a few years back.

   The newspaper includes dueling opinion pieces. Weighing in against the Republicans: “Misinformation for sale“:

   Let’s set the record straight: Affirmative action is not in practice at the UW or at any other campus in this state. Since the UWCRs have no need to fight affirmative action policies that don’t exist, what is it they’re concerned about? Diversity in general? The presence of minority populations on campus?

   Admissions policies do not take race into account, so I wonder on what grounds — or due to what fears, insecurities or stereotypes — are the College Republicans so concerned about race?

   What a great argument, “it’s not happening here so why complain?” Isn’t this the same kind of passivity demonstrated when the developed world failed to prevent totalitarian regimes from murdering tens of millions of innocents during the 20th century? Martin Luther King, Jr: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

   The Republicans respond, “Treat people as equals“:

   Those on my side of the affirmative action debate believe in the same principles that motivated the abolitionist and civil rights movements — the government should treat all people equally, regardless of their skin color.
   —
   There is nothing wrong with helping people who come from difficult beginnings, but a person’s race is not his or her origin. If a person wants to find out about someone’s background, this person should ask the man or woman in question. Don’t assume you know someone’s background because of the color of his or her skin.

   The UW College Republicans also have the honor of hosting Ward Connerly, later tonight. I’ll post the follow-up article if he has anything new to add.