Most important, [research on affirmative action] has…
![“Most important, [research on affirmative action] has completely failed to show that affirmative action ever closes the academic gap between minorities and whites. And failing in this, affirmative action also fails to help blacks achieve true equality with whites - the ultimate measure of which is…” quote by Shelby Steele](https://sms4smile.com/q/img-quotes/316/shelby-steele-3370_academic_most-important-research-on-affirmative-a_2845643.jpg)
“Most important, [research on affirmative action] has completely failed to show that affirmative action ever closes the academic gap between minorities and whites. And failing in this, affirmative action also fails to help blacks achieve true equality with whites - the ultimate measure of which is parity in skills and individual competence. Without this underlying parity there can never be true equality in employment, income levels, rates of home ownership, educational achievement and the rest.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Affirmative action hasn’t closed skill gaps, so true equality remains unmet.
In simple terms: Policy hasn’t equalized abilities.
Key Takeaway
Focus on skill parity.
Themes
education
policy
equality
Mood
critical
policy‑oriented
Type
academic
political
When to use this quote
- higher education
- employment law
- social justice
Key Concepts
structural inequality
skill disparity
Questions to Reflect On
- What measures truly close skill gaps?
- How can policy address competence parity?
A Different Perspective
May ignore systemic barriers beyond skills.