In response to the article printed two weeks ago on the topic of affirmative action, that same Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines affirmative action as this: an active effort to improve the employment or educational opportunities for members of minority groups or women.

If you were going to look up racism then you should have ventured to the front of the book to look this word up as well. Although I respect your opinion, I feel as though it is an un-exposed one, one of a person whom has no empathy. affirmative action was not made to allow minorities to slack off; but to give us the opportunity to experience and envelope ourselves in situations that otherwise would not be available. (Keep in mind, we are qualified for these positions and in some cases over-qualified). College is a good example.

Before the 1950s, African-Americans were not allowed, nor welcomed, into an institution of higher learning such as the one we are in now. It was the Civil Rights Movement of 1964 and the Equal Opportunity Act of 1971 that guaranteed equality only when you deserved and qualified for the appropriate positions. Along the halls of the Boling University Center are several pictures from yesteryears. If you look at them, you will not see one African-American face in the crowd before that time. Not so many years ago the clause was written to ensure that all minorities would have the same opportunities as whites ... i.e. “equal opportunity.”

During slavery, the slave owners withheld any and all means of education from the slaves, we were ignorant because of force not by choice, when the option was presented we took it and ran.

Also, colleges were institutes for those with financial stability. It did not include the average Joe Blow like you, the majority of the students enrolled here, and me. In other words, without affirmative action, many of us probably wouldn’t be here. It benefits many people, not just the minority and women. For example, “if” you chose to attend a historically black college, you would be selected on the basis of affirmative action. Therefore, it would then work for you as well. It ensures that the dreamers are allowed to dream, the goal oriented will be able to attain their target and the aspiring will see all their aspirations become reality.

As for the “slacking” (so to speak), I have paid my debt in high school by working hard, making good grades and getting into the university of my choice. I am sure there are many others who will agree with me. You have no idea what people had to do, what sacrifices were made and what routes were taken to get them into the University of Tennessee at Martin.

So please be careful when you make a statement such as the one published in the last paper.

Ignorance is contagious; please don’t infect our campus with this fatal disease. It is a good idea that you visit the Constitutional Rights Foundation-Online Lessons at www.crf-usa.org/lessons.html to become more knowledgeable on this matter.

Deikeya Greer is a sophomore Communications major from St. Louis, Mo.