It deeply troubles me to see how recent developments have the potential to set America back and divide our nation once again. One area of concern is the lack of diversity in college classrooms, which fails to reflect the true makeup of our country. The recent Supreme Court decision has dealt a blow to indigenous voices, further marginalizing their perspectives within educational institutions.

Moreover, the history of African Americans being disenfranchised in this country is unfortunately nothing new. It is disheartening to witness the perpetuation of systemic injustices. I find it perplexing that the military was exempt from the ruling, raising questions about the rationale behind this decision.

In my view, habitual offenders are individuals who have demonstrated a lack of desire to change their ways and abide by the law. Due to their prior transgressions and new charges, it is understandable that the punishment rendered to them would be more severe and long-lasting than that of individuals without a criminal record.

I firmly believe that the constitutional amendments established to secure the rights of Black people, such as the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, should be the basis for retaining affirmative action. These amendments were enacted to rectify the historical inequities faced by Black individuals, and they were hard-won through the Civil War. Unfortunately, the losing side of the war did not accept defeat gracefully and instead sought to circumvent the newly granted rights through legal means, which eventually led to the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson decision in 1896.

The South’s refusal to comply with the “separate but equal” doctrine outlined in the Plessy v. Ferguson ruling is a testament to their unwillingness to honor the rights of Black Americans. This disregard for equality and justice was a second offense, perpetuating a history of discrimination and systemic racism that still reverberates today.

In light of recent events, I believe the focus should not have been solely on defending affirmative action, but on exposing and addressing the actions of habitual offenders. The Asian Americans who brought the legal action may unfortunately experience the ruthlessness of those who refuse to acknowledge the importance of equality, much like Japanese Americans faced during World War II. It is crucial for everyone to wake up and recognize the ongoing struggles for justice and inclusivity.