I will be researching the problems of affirmative action within the school system. My research question will be: How does affirmative action in the school system make it unfair to other students who do not get that same shortcuts as others? I am interested in this research question because when I was first introduced to the widely argued term "affirmative action" I became extremely interested due to the idea of equality or lack thereof in society. The pathway of success for those who receive affirmative action also catches my attention. The heated debate over the belief that affirmative action breaks the idea of equality within the Constitution of the United States had me hooked right away because not only myself, but each and every one of my peers are a living example of the fight for equality in this nation. 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 ideal. This research question affected me during my college admission, as well as it affected my peer's college admission process as well. For example, someone who receives affirmative action may not of ended up at the University of South Carolina if they didn't receive the affirmative action, and therefor it affects my learning experience. The United States school system strives for diversity within the classroom, which is why affirmative action laws have been established. This idea to focus on racial diversity within the classroom is wrong in my belief. Instead, the U.S. should let the student's academic level guide them to their future institution. Although I was accepted into my first choice of college, I was still affected by affirmative action during my college admission process. As each and every student in the United States lives with the affect of affirmative action, I have become interested enough to 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 the topic. 

Neblett Toure, writer for Time Magazine, explains the positive effect of affirmative action within the school system in his article, "Why We Still Need Affirmative Action." Toure's central claim explains that the removal of affirmative action will only hurt the American society as a whole. Within his article, the major values of opposition of affirmative action within the school system grab my interest. I believe that being able to incorporate an effective opposition source is essential. Toure has other published articles on the effect of affirmative action in the school system. He also gains credibility due to the fact that a highly respected magazine company, such as Time Magazine, published his work. Toure never truly goes in depth with the supporting side of affirmative action. 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 weakened by his argument. 

My second source, "Both Racial and Class Diversity Benefit College Campuses," portray 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. Although this may be true, I believe that the level of intelligence in a classroom is more important than the diversity of one. This article goes in depth with explaining the negative effects of the racial debates and how the United States is not at 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's article, 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 at 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 bias, as Bollinger is so involved with the supporting side of affirmative action. Bollinger is a role model for the supporters' of affirmative action and a proud 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 comes from Gale's Opposing Viewpoints. Written by Elvin Lim, "Affirmative Action is Racial Profiling," describes the negative effects of affirmative action within the school system. Lim describes the different takes on affirmative action between the conservatives and the liberals. Lim also explains that it is too complicated to provide Americans with an even playing field because in today's society there is really no such thing as an even playing field. He believes the most even playing field is when affirmative action is non-existent, which I firmly agree with. The author seems to not be too biased, as he discusses the supporting side of affirmative action and why he understands that certain people believe that it is the answer. This peer-reviewed article from Gales Research Center is credible and has thorough explanation of both sides of affirmative action within the education system. Also, Greenhaven Press published this article, which is a highly credited publishing company. 

This research question is an extremely heated topic amongst Americans in today's society due to the fairness and equality that is connected to race. All American's strive to conquer the "American Dream," but without an even playing field, it is often impossible for certain American citizens to do so. Clearly, racism is still a major issue in American society, which is why affirmative action was incorporated. The different perspectives adjust my view on affirmative action because after I read a new credible source, I realize the other factors that some people incorporate into their decisions of whether or not they believe affirmative action promotes equality. 
