I will be researching the topic: affirmative action within the school system. My research question will be: How does affirmative action within the school system affect a student's social mobility and their path to success? I am interested in this research question because when I was first introduced to the widely argued term "affirmative action" I became extremely interested. The heated debate over what is right and what is wrong caught my attention right away. From that point on, I have waited for an opportunity to discuss affirmative action in an argumentative manner and I feel as if this opportunity in English 102 is perfect. This research question affects me due to my college admission. Those of specific may find themselves in an easier boat as they apply to prestigious colleges and universities all over the United States. The goal of diversity within the classroom is not an easy one, which therefor brings forth the idea of affirmative action. Although I was accepted into my first choice for college, I was still affected by affirmative action during my college application process. My personal experience with affirmative action within the school system is that I have read many articles and peer reviews that take both the supporting standpoint, as well as the opposing one. I am qualified to write this paper not only because my professor obligates me, but also because of my extensive research on affirmative action. 

My first source, "Why We Still Need Affirmative Action" is written by Toure in 2012. Toure central claim explains that the removal of affirmative action will only hurt the American society as a whole. Within this article, the major values of opposition of affirmative action within the school system grab my interest. I believe that being able to have an effective opposition paragraph within my essay is necessary. Toure is a well-known writer for Times Magazine. There is no question that Toure has credibility for affirmative action, as he has done extensive research on it. Toure never truly goes in depth with the supporting side of affirmative. This bias of strictly describing and explaining why affirmative action in the United States is not the answer brings forth the question of if his biased opinion is weakening his argument. 

My second source, "Both Racial and Class Diversity Benefit College Campuses," portrays the benefits of a diverse classroom by raising the effect of the Fisher vs University of Texas court case. Studies show that diversity within the classroom raise the level of critical thinking, enjoyment of reading and writing, as well as intellectual curiosity. The article goes in depth with the negative effects of the racial debates and how the United States are from a post-racial standpoint. The author concludes the article by arguing that racial diversity should not be sacrificed for class diversity. The major values and interests within this source come from the portrayal of an opposing viewpoint. Unlike Toure in my first source, this article focus's on why affirmative action will be beneficial to the American society. Lee C. Bollinger is the president at Columbia University. He was the president of the University of Michigan during multiple affirmative action cases against the Supreme Court, such as Grutter vs Bollinger and Gratz vs Bollinger. Of course this source is extremely biased, as Bollinger is so involved with the supporting side of affirmative action. Bollinger is a role model for supporters of affirmative action and staunch defender of affirmative action. The representation of the source explains the credibility of the author and provides the reader with an intellectual viewpoint on the specific heated topic, yet also explains that he is almost as biased on the opinion as anyone could be. 

My third source, "Affirmative Action is Racial Profiling," describes the negative effects of affirmative action within the school system. The author describes the difference takes on affirmative action between conservative and liberals. He explains that it is too complicated to provide Americans with an even playing field, and that affirmative action simply makes the whole process even more complicated. The author seems to have a very small biased opinion as he discusses both the opposing and supporting sides, along with the viewpoints of liberals and conservatives. This peer reviewed journal is credible and has thorough explanation on affirmative action within the school system, although is describes the affirmative action process outside of the school system as well. 

This research question is an extremely heated topic amongst Americans in today's society due to race and equality. All American's strive to conquer the "American Dream" and without an even playing field, it is often impossible in doing so. Some agreements within the research question is that race is still a major issue in American society, as well as that there is no such thing as an even playing field for American students yet. Some disagreements that I have found is mainly just the supporting and opposing viewpoints on the topic. The different perspectives adjust my view on affirmative action because after I hear a new credible perspective, I realize that maybe I am not ruling in all of the different effects that affirmative action can have and cant have. I might need to revise my research question by going more in-depth and focusing on a more topic of affirmative action. 
