As a concerned citizen, I am writing this petition to address the issue of affirmative action returning in college admissions. This policy, which aims to promote diversity and equal opportunity, often ends up taking away opportunities from deserving students who have worked hard to earn their place in prestigious institutions. Despite the fact that currently, affirmative action is not in place, colleges are still finding and using loopholes to admit students based on the color of their skin. It is time we advocate for a merit-based acceptance system that truly reflects fairness and equality.

Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the impact of affirmative action on my peers. Many talented individuals with exceptional academic records and extracurricular achievements were denied admission solely based on their race or ethnicity. This discriminatory practice not only undermines the efforts of these deserving students but also perpetuates inequality by favoring certain groups over others. When the Supreme Court reversed affirmative action in June, it was the first step in the right direction, but in order for colleges to be entirely rid of admissions based on race, we need to do a lot more. We don't cultivate equality in education by admitting students through their ethnicity, because that in itself is another form of discrimination.

Affirmative action policies were initially implemented with good intentions - to rectify historical injustices and promote diversity within educational institutions. However, it is essential to acknowledge that times have changed since these policies were first introduced. Our society has made significant progress towards equality, making it crucial to reevaluate whether affirmative action remains necessary or if it inadvertently perpetuates discrimination.

Supporters argue that affirmative action helps level the playing field for underrepresented minorities; however, this approach fails to consider the negative consequences it imposes on other individuals who are equally qualified but do not fit into specific racial or ethnic categories. By prioritizing race over meritocracy, we deny countless deserving students' access to higher education opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Moreover, research indicates that affirmative action can lead to unintended consequences such as mismatching students with colleges where they struggle academically due to lowered admission standards. A study conducted by Richard Sander at UCLA School of Law revealed that minority students admitted through preferential treatment experienced lower graduation rates compared to their counterparts admitted through merit-based criteria. By putting students into a school unsuitable for their skill level, we are only harming both sides. The students who got in on affirmative action and the ones who were rejected and forced to turn to another school.

It is important now more than ever that we advocate for a fairer system based on individual merits rather than arbitrary factors such as race or ethnicity. By eliminating affirmative action and admission based on ethnic background in general, we can create an environment where all students, regardless of their background, have an equal chance to succeed based on their abilities and hard work.

Let us stand together and urge policymakers to ban all uses of college admissions based on race. Sign this petition to support a merit-based, color-blind acceptance system that truly upholds fairness and equality for all students.

Sources:
- Richard Sander, "A Systemic Analysis of Affirmative Action in American Law Schools," Stanford Law Review (2004)
- U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, "Affirmative Action in American Higher Education: A Review of Research" (2013)