The Ayn Rand Center for Individual Rights

A panel discussion featuring Peter Schwartz, Ward Connerly and Richard Sander
Recorded November 5, 2007

In 1996, California voters, in a blow to advocates of Affirmative Action, passed Proposition 209, banning public entities from discriminating on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, and national origin.

Opponents of the proposition responded with claims that, far from promoting discrimination, Affirmative Action provides just compensation for past harms done to minorities and is an important tool for creating racial equality and promoting diversity.

What are the actual effects of Affirmative Action programs? And what are the ideas and ideals that lead many to support it? What should be the government’s role in fighting discrimination or promoting diversity?

In this discussion, held on the 11th anniversary of the passing of Proposition 209, a distinguished panel of speakers delivers a variety of critical perspectives on Affirmative Action.