Editorial November 27, 1976 Issue

The Affirmative Action of Truth

Peter J. Henniker-Heaton

Affirmative action. A bright hope or a grim threat?

In many countries today great efforts are being made to ensure equality of opportunity for all citizens. Sometimes a removal of barriers to progress is found sufficient of itself to correct past injustices with reasonable speed; elsewhere special programs need to be developed to give positive advantages to those suffering from earlier discrimination. These programs, designed to correct former injustice or neglect, are described in the United States as "affirmative action."

But while correcting past abuses for some, these programs can result in reverse discrimination for others; they can threaten hardship or apparent hardship to groups and individuals. This situation then arouses fear and resentment, which can slow down or halt the useful advances of affirmative action. How can society find ways to develop and implement the bright hope of affirmative action swiftly and effectively while avoiding the threat of reverse discrimination it may hold for others? By recognizing the spiritual origin and inspiration of true affirmative action; by recognizing that really affirmative action must derive from divine Truth, God.

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