Affirmative Action for Pacific Islanders: A Comprehensive Overview
Affirmative action policies, often targeting underrepresented groups, have been a subject of debate for several decades. However, the question of whether Pacific Islanders (PIs) are included in such initiatives is not straightforward and depends on the context, whether it is schools, colleges, government, or businesses.
Understanding Affirmative Action
Affirmative action refers to policies and programs that are designed to address and correct historical and systemic injustices. These initiatives are intended to increase opportunities for historically marginalized groups, particularly those who have faced discrimination, including African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, and women.
Pacific Islanders in the Context of Affirmative Action
The coverage of Pacific Islanders in affirmative action programs varies widely. In some regions, particularly in academic settings, there are specific policies that acknowledge and support PIs. However, it is crucial to understand that these policies generally do not target PI communities as a singular entity. Instead, they often focus on broader diversity initiatives that can include multiple ethnic and cultural groups.
School Districts and Academic Tracking
In some school districts, such as Seattle, specific groups like Samoans and Guamanians are tracked separately. This separation can sometimes result in lower academic performance and higher rates of behavioral issues, though it is important to recognize that generalizations about individuals can be harmful. These distinctions are made to provide targeted support and resources to help these communities perform better.
Colleges, Government, and Businesses
At the college, government, and business levels, affirmative action policies are more inclusive and diverse. These organizations often have broad diversity initiatives that aim to include various groups, including but not limited to Pacific Islanders. However, there are no specific policies targeted at Pacific Islanders unless there is a large and vocal advocacy movement for it. For instance, there is no Pacific Islander Lives Matter movement, a point of distinction from other minority communities that have faced significant issues leading to such movements.
Challenges and Future Outcomes
The lack of a specific Pacific Islander Lives Matter movement is largely due to the relative lack of high-profile incidents of police violence involving Pacific Islanders. Unlike communities such as African Americans or Hispanics, where there has been heightened awareness and activism, Pacific Islanders have not yet seen the same level of attention.
However, it's important to note that this scenario could change. If a significant number of unarmed Pacific Islanders were killed while trying to attack or assault police officers, and if there were enough activists and funding to document and address these issues, there could be a shift towards more focused attention and affirmative action policies for PIs.
US Census and Pacific Islanders
The United States Census Bureau currently tracks Pacific Islanders separately from the larger Asian and Pacific Islander (A/PI) category. This separation allows for more detailed and accurate data collection on the unique experiences and challenges faced by PIs. Notably, many Asian activist groups have tried to include PIs in their broader efforts, often to appear more politically correct. This practice is inclusive but may ignore the specific needs and issues faced by Pacific Islanders.
Conclusion
The applicability of affirmative action to Pacific Islanders is a multifaceted issue that varies depending on the context. While there are some targeted efforts at the school level, broader and more inclusive diversity initiatives are more common in colleges, government, and businesses. The future of this policy will likely depend on the activism and awareness around issues facing Pacific Islanders, especially as more high-profile incidents and the activism they inspire come to light.
Keywords
Affirmative Action, Pacific Islanders, Diversity Programs