Responses on: "Why do you think that universities and other institutions are committed to affirmative action?"

Informant #89194: because they have to be

Informant #91951: Due to the fact that there are some racist individuals running certain schools or other institutions. So due to their actions they would most likely not hire people of other races.

Informant #91952: Academia has always been progressive in its thinking about the world and how it should work. Since affirmative action is a liberal (in the classical sense of the word) policy, it comes as no surprise that universities hold the policy with such high regard.

Informant #91954: I think my previous answers respond to this.

Informant #91955: To help minorities.

Informant #91956: Not all of them are!, esp. on the personal level still many places are not committed

Informant #91957: To promote an image of tolerence and understanding.

Informant #91958: It looks good to outsiders if there is a range of ethinicities.

Informant #91959: to what?

Informant #91963: b/c they are afraid of the consequences if they do not

Informant #91965: Because it's in the constitution and they can get sued if they don't.

Informant #91968: So their reputation as a university/ institution is maintained as a high level of diversity and equality.

Informant #91971: Affirmative action is compensation for injustices and crimes committed against minorities in the past. In simpler words, it is an apology. It somewhat has to do with promoting diversity, but I believe that it is more of an unnecessary action to promote our nation's willingness to have diversity in educational surroundings. To me, affirmative action is ridiculous as it causes minorities to benefit from their race and background, thus getting rid of a valid chance for true racial equality. The beginning section of the SATs should not have any place to check race or background.

Informant #91973: it makes their school look better and they feel they have to

Informant #91974: They are committed to equalize opportunities in the country.

Informant #91979: Poor decisions by liberal lawmakers trying to please their black constituents.

Informant #91980: Because it's politically correct, and they'll come under fire from special interest groups if they are not.

Informant #91981: Because they feel that minorites are worse off

Informant #91983: I think they are committe to affirmative action because they were using the color of someone's skin to keep them out of college.

Informant #91986: Many institutions are committed to affirmative action so that they can get funding. Money drives the world. Diversity in a university setting provides a unique cultural education for students, however I don't feel that making a conscious effort to control the level or degree of diversity, such as affirmative action, is the best or fairest method to achieve diversity.

Informant #91987: They want diversity within their programs. The more diversity in an institution, the more viewpoints there are.

Informant #91989: Because they are run by communist liberals.

Informant #91990: I believe they try to create a place where people can all get together and share their knowledge with.

Informant #91992: I think if there is a tie, than sure affirmative action should be inforced, but if a white person has better scores than me, he should get the nod.

Informant #91993: Political pressure

Informant #91997: i am not sure how i feel about it

Informant #92000: They have programs designated for such ideas.

Informant #92001: To allow people from all ethnicities and current situations to have access to institutions of high learning.

Informant #92002: Diversity is a positive attribute.

Informant #92004: I think it's wrong to think of selfless and altruistic behavior. I guess every institution can benefit (in very pragmatic ways) from the integration of the "Other".

Informant #92006: I really have no idea. Personally, I'm completely against affirmative action. Universities don't want to be labelled as "racist" so they try to encourage as many diverse students to enroll as possible, through scholarships, or easy acceptance.

Informant #92009: they feel obligated

Informant #92012: they are committed because it's one of those things that some people feel is necessary and as part of their diversification of the university, they must commit to it.

Informant #92016: Because they receive funding for it.

Informant #92018: Mostly because they receive more money depending on how "diverse" their university is.

Informant #92019: universities have very diverse cultures usually and by supporting affirmative action we are learning and accepting others.

Informant #92021: So that outsiders do not think they are racist.

Informant #92024: Because they are paranoid of ridiculous lawsuits.

Informant #92027: because its a law

Informant #92030: In order to make sure that their student body is diverse.

Informant #92034: I think they are committed to affirmative action to promote diversity.

Informant #92039: The government makes them.

Informant #92052: Because they feel guilty about what they have done in the past and are committed to reverse discriminating now.

Informant #92053: i don't know!

Informant #92066: To prepare their people for the world

Informant #92072: Because some people are born into unfair situations.

Informant #92073: Because prejudice is still a major issue in many parts of this nation.

Informant #92076: Because they are afraid of the pressure placed on them by minority groups.

Informant #92079: It makes them look better and it helps offer an equal opportunity to all.

Informant #92081: I think they commit to affirmative action because it is the politically correct thing to do.

Informant #92088: they want to attract more applicants

Informant #92092: Give everyone equal chances

Informant #92108: To promote acceptance of all races and make their campus a healthy and diverse learning environment.

Informant #92109: honestly, just for the money/political benefits

Informant #92110: Affirmative action draws minorities to universities that they otherwise feel like they would have no chance at succeding in.

Informant #92173: Most universities and institutions were segregated, and now they may be making up for their past mistakes.

Informant #92204: Because it is true that the white male is at an advantage compared to other females and those of different races.

Informant #92206: Because they make an important statement in front of society itself

Informant #92218: Affirmative action angers me. The concept behing the priniciple is noble and agreeable, however, the process of achieving that ideal occasionally leads to discrimination - the unjust treatment it is attempting to correct. Universities are instituting affirmative action to promote a more agreeable reputation. If opportunities are offered to a group that was once denied, a university reaps the benefits of becoming an "equal opportunity institute."

Informant #92238: to avoid government problems

Informant #92400: yes

Informant #405103: Your's is the intlelginet approach to this issue.

Informant #405523: This is both street smart and intlelgient.