Book Reviewed: Place not Race by Sherryll Cashion - A clear discussion of the nature of affirmative action

Book Reviewed: Place not Race by Sherryll Cashion: A clear discussion of the nature of affirmative action in higher education in America.

This is a very well discussed book about the structural barriers to accessing higher opportunities in colleges and universities not only by racial minorities but also economically challenged Caucasians. The affirmative action does not necessarily mean African Americans, but it also includes other races, who were not given opportunities in a political and economic system that is rigged in favor of those who are economically well-off, says Georgetown University Law Professor Sheryll Cashin. Professor Cashin is an expert in this field and has researched and published widely in academic journals. The performance on the SAT scores mirrors family income because the system is skewed against poor people of all color. Access to a good public school depends on your neighborhood. This provides clear and unchallenged opportunities to the upper class citizens of the country.

The racial diversity is important for the nation. The armed forces are racially diverse and they put their lives online everyday so that the rest of us can have freedom and live in peace. Nobody is voicing their protest of highly visible African Americans in the Army, Navy or Air force, then why would it become a problem if they are in living our neighborhoods or in schools and colleges. Racial diversity in the society must be an inclusive policy; it should not be a reverse discrimination or denial of fairness. The author discusses many cases in states of California, Texas, Michigan and other states that are working in a fair manner. She makes some of the strongest points for acceptable social, economic and political policies that focus on inclusion.