According to Newman, affirmative action is a “program designed to seek out members of minority groups for positions from which they had previously been excluded, thereby seeking to overcome some institutional racism” (Newman, 536). Affirmative action got its start with a bill passed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 and continues today. However, the concept of affirmative action is a controversial issue that continues to be hotly debated. Affirmative action policies are passionately debated by everyone from educators and politicians to ordinary citizens, all of whom have differing opinions on the necessity and validity of these policies. There is no doubt that affirmative action is an emotional subject and deals with the sensitive topic of race. Therefore, people's reactions to this topic will be heavily influenced by their own race and personal experiences. Educators are one group likely to support affirmative action. In particular, those who work with poorer minority students and see the obstacles they must overcome to finally advance and attend college, unlike their parents. For these educators, affirmative action can be seen as a sign of hope for bright and determined minorities. Politicians can also support affirmative action if it is in their political interest. If a politician is running for office in an area with a large minority and low-income population, he or she will likely support affirmative action to win citizens' votes. However, if a politician represents an area that is predominantly racist and unwilling to provide opportunities to minorities, he or she will likely reject the idea of ​​affirmative action. In the case of politicians, it seems likely that their decisions are middle of paper... such as "socio-economic status, first-generation college status, geographic residency", or difficulties students have overcome (“UD.gov”). These factors, while not race-based, would likely ensure that a reasonable number of minorities are represented. Until institutions and organizations in the United States can choose candidates without bias and minorities have overcome the socio-economic disadvantages they face, it will be necessary to maintain some form of enforced equality, which what positive action offers. OF RACE TO ACHIEVE DIVERSITY IN POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION. UD.gov. U.S. Department of Education, December 2, 2011. Web. .Newman, David M. Sociology: Exploring the Architecture of Everyday Life. 8 ed. Los Angeles: Pine Forge Press, 2010. Print.