National

Scholar Says Race-Neutral Approach Needed for Affirmative Action

Published

12 years ago

January 13, 2015

Sheryll Cashin, a professor of law at Georgetown University in Washington D.C. advocates for “place-based” affirmative action policies in education. (Freddie Allen/NNPA)

By Freddie Allen
NNPA Senior Washington Correspondent

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – In the wake of unrelenting law suits seeking to abolish affirmative action coupled with nearly half of all universities dropping consideration of race as a factor in college admissions, it is time to shift gears and devise a less objectionable race-neutral approach that will diversify higher education, says a noted Black law professor.

During a recent discussion on affirmative action at the Economic Policy Institute in Washington, D.C. Sheryll Cashin, a professor of law at Georgetown University and author of Place, Not Race: A New Vision of Opportunity in America, said that as long as race-conscious affirmative action remains a factor in college admission, there will always be White students challenging affirmative action.

Cashin, who clerked for U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, said “that law or politics will render race-based affirmative action extinct” and argued that it makes “sense to get started on race-neutral reforms that have the potential to create diversity and more social cohesion.”

She said that the percentage of four-year colleges that consider racial, ethnic or gender status in admissions has fallen from about 60 percent to 35 percent.

Others, however, do not favor a switch to de-emphasizing race and point to race-neutral affirmative programs in Texas and California that have not achieved the same results as previous race-conscious approaches. Even Texas’ 10 Percent Plan that guarantees the top 10 percent of each high school graduating class in Texas will be accepted at the University of Texas, the flagship campus, was challenged by a White applicant who had been rejected.

Backed by the Edward Blum’s Project for Fair Representation, a nonprofit group that wants to ban race-, gender- and ethnic-conscious affirmative action, Abigail Fisher a White woman, alleged that the University of Texas at Austin refused to accept her, because she was White, while Black and Latino students that she outperformed were admitted

Admission officials look at factors in addition to grade to determine the composition of an incoming class, not just grades.

In its “Brief of Opposition,” the university said: “The undisputed evidence demonstrated that Fisher would not have been offered fall admission in 2008 even if she had scored a perfect ‘6’ on her PAI – the portion of the admissions process where race is considered as ‘a factor of a factor of a factor.’”

Investigating Fisher’s claims, Pro Publica reported that 42 White students with less impressive grades than Fisher got in compared to just five Black and Latino students with similar academic achievement. Meanwhile, almost 170 Black and Latino students with the same or better grades as Fisher were also turned away.

In the 2012 term, the Supreme Court punted in Fisher v. University of Texas, sending the case back to the lower court for reconsideration. Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the 7-1 majority, said: “…Strict scrutiny imposes on the university the ultimate burden of demonstrating before turning to racial classifications, that available, workable race-neutral alternatives do not suffice.”

In other words, the university had the burden of showing that show that gender- ethnicity- and race-conscious affirmative action admission policies are the only way to effectively achieve diversity on campus.

After the case was remanded, U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit again ruled in favor of the University of Texas.

In 2003, the Supreme Court issued a pair of rulings involving University of Michigan that many thought had settled the issue.

By a vote of 6-3, the justices outlawed an undergraduate admissions process that, among other things, automatically awarded 20 points to people of color. But on a 5-4, the Supreme Court ruled that race could still be a factor in admissions as long as it is not given too much weight.

However, led by anti-affirmative action foe Ward Connerly, in 2006, Michigan voters banned the use of race in public education and employment, a state constitutional amendment that was later upheld by the Supreme Court.

In the May/June 2014 issue of the Poverty and Race Research Action Council (PRRAC) journal, Cashin, who is also a PRRAC board member, wrote that “place rather than race in diversity programming will better approximate the structural disadvantages many children of color actually endure, while enhancing the possibility that we might one day move past the racial resentment affirmative action engenders.”

Cashin said that when college graduates sequester themselves it can lead to a phenomenon known as “opportunity hoarding,” when a well-resourced, educated ingroup sanctions practices that exclude outgroups.

“And the exclusion does not have to be intentional,” said Cashin.

Cashin said that place, or where you live, locks in advantages and disadvantages that are reinforced over time.

“What has happened increasingly is the affluent and the highly educated are separated from everyone else and that often determines who has access to high quality elementary and secondary education,” said Cashin.

“And when you have geographic concentration of highly educated affluent people in direct horizontal competition with people from lower-income impoverished settings for finite public resources you get savage inequality in the allocation of public resources,” said Cashin. “College-bound students from middle- and low-income environments, particularly African Americans students, disproportionately attend segregated schools and they have to be superhuman to overcome the structural disadvantages of place.”

In Cashin’s article on affirmative action published in the PRRAC journal, she concedes that, “Fewer African Americans may enter elite institutions under an affirmative action system based on structural disadvantage rather than under race-based affirmative action.” However, she argued that the social costs of racial-conscious programs outweigh any marginal benefits when race-neutral alternatives are available.

Lia Epperson, a law professor at the Washington College of Law at American University in Washington, D.C., said that addressing racial disparities is not about totally abandoning policies that use race. She said it’s about the robust enforcement of laws that bar discrimination and inequality, existing compliance reviews that have proven helpful at the elementary and secondary education levels and expanding the role of data collection and the dissemination of data.

“The reality is that we are in a time that is difficult, because we do have this societal indecision with respect to matters of race,” said Epperson, who formerly led the education law and policy group of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. “The reality is also that we have a Constitution that supports remedying a history of slavery and Jim Crow. We have to expand our political imagination beyond the reality of the moment.”

Richard Rothstein, a research associate at the Economic Policy Institute said on the panel:
“There’s no doubt that we need to pretend to be colorblind in the current legal climate, but it’s also very important to realize that we have a separate challenge from the challenge of enhancing equity. And that is the challenge of increasing justice.”

Rothstein added, “We have a constitutional obligation to undue centuries of slavery, segregation and exploitation. As recent events have demonstrated to everybody, we have made very little progress in undoing that unconstitutional placement of African Americans in a caste system in this society.”

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Gov. Gavin Newsom Signs Law Streamlining Affordable Housing Rules

The legislation builds on the governor’s efforts that have reversed decades of inaction on housing and homelessness — creating more homes and the largest reduction in unsheltered homelessness in more than 15 years.

Published

23 hours ago

July 24, 2026

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From left to right: Jesse Arreguín, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sharon Quirk Silva, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, and Janelle Chan. Photo courtesy Sarah Henry.

In Oakland on July 13, Gov. Newsom signed AB 179 — the state’s new housing budget trailer bill that cuts red tape, modernizes how California finances affordable housing, and lowers the cost of building a unit by up to $70,000.

Oakland is the first pro-housing city in the Bay Area, and it’s not slowing down. Oakland is cutting through bureaucracy, unlocking new financing, and clearing the path for more affordable homes to get built faster.

Special thanks to East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBADC), State Assemblymember Sharon Quirk Silva, and California Housing and Community Development Director Gustavo Velasquez.

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Smart Home Technology is Becoming a Tool for Preventing Property Damage

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Leak detectors, security systems, and connected alarms can warn owners before problems spread. See which smart home technology offers the greatest protection.

Published

2 days ago

July 23, 2026

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Connected leak detectors, alarms, cameras, and climate controls can warn owners before a small problem spreads. The strongest protection comes from systems that can also act, especially water monitors that automatically stop a leak.

A hidden pipe leak can soak floors before anyone sees a drop. A failed furnace can freeze plumbing overnight. A forgotten appliance can create a fire risk while the owner is away.

Modern home technology changes how owners respond to household risks. The relationship between home and technology now centers on prevention instead of reaction. Connected systems can watch for moisture, smoke, carbon monoxide, unusual access, temperature shifts, and electrical hazards.

Early warnings create time to act. Automated responses add another layer of protection. Remote access also helps owners respond while traveling or working.

Owners who choose the right tools may limit property damage and protect the home’s long-term condition.

How Can Smart Home Technology Prevent Property Damage?

A smart home is a residence that uses internet-connected devices for remote monitoring and control. Smart systems can prevent damage through:

Detection
Notification
Automatic action

A central app or hub may connect:

Sensors
Locks
Alarms
Thermostats
Appliances

Leak sensors can warn owners about moisture near:

Sinks
Water heaters
Washing machines
Sump pumps

Advanced systems can also close the main water valve.

Fast action can keep one failed hose from destroying property across several rooms. Owners may receive an alert within seconds, even when they are away from home.

Which Smart Home Devices Offer the Greatest Protection?

Water protection often provides the greatest direct benefit because leaks can spread quietly.

Whole-home monitors and automatic shutoff valves can detect unusual water flow. Some systems can stop the water supply when nobody is present.

Other valuable smart devices for the home include:

Connected smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Security cameras
Door sensors
Smart locks
Temperature monitors

Protection improves when a device can send an alert and trigger a useful response.

Water Protection Gives Owners the Fastest Response

Water-related issues often escalate quickly, making early detection and response critical for minimizing damage. Understanding how to monitor and control water risks sets the foundation for the strategies discussed in the following sections.

Place Leak Sensors Near Common Failure Points

Real-time alerts can help owners respond before water harms building materials or supports mold growth. Place moisture sensors near:

Dishwashers
Toilets
Washing machines
Water heaters
Sump pumps
Sinks

Point sensors only cover nearby areas. Whole-home monitors track water flow or pressure throughout the property. Automatic shutoff systems offer stronger protection because they can stop continued leaking before an owner arrives.

A sensor provides a warning, while an automatic shutoff valve can directly limit the damage.

Monitor Freezing and Humidity Risks

A smartphone thermostat can warn an owner when indoor temperatures leave a safe range. Freeze alerts protect plumbing in:

Vacant homes
Rental properties
Seasonal residences

Humidity alerts may reveal an air-conditioning or ventilation failure before damp conditions support mold growth.

Connected Alarms Reduce Fire and Security Risks

Smart smoke and carbon monoxide alarms send warnings beyond the home. Remote alerts support faster action when nobody is present.

Some systems can:

Contact a monitoring service
Unlock doors for emergency responders
Shut down connected equipment
Turn on the lights during an emergency

Connected security systems combine:

Cameras
Motion sensors
Window alarms
Doorbells
Smart locks

Recorded footage may support a later insurance claim. Visible cameras and timed lighting may also discourage entry attempts.

Security technology cannot guarantee that a break-in will never happen. Early alerts can still help owners contact authorities, verify activity, and reduce the amount of time an intruder remains inside the property.

Build a System That Still Works During Failures

Dependable Wi-Fi is a starting point for connected devices. Owners should also plan for:

Outages
Weak signals
Dead batteries
Expired subscriptions
Failed software updates

A practical setup should include:

Local alarms, in addition to phone alerts
Battery or cellular backup, where available
Strong passwords and current firmware
Manual keys and water shutoff access
Updated emergency contact information

Unique passwords, regular updates, careful camera placement, and reputable products can reduce exposure.

Backup access also matters when a smart lock, mobile app, or network fails. Owners should always have a manual way to enter the property and control essential systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Smart Devices Lower Home Insurance Costs?

Some insurers offer discounts, rebates, or credits for approved leak detectors, alarms, monitoring services, and automatic shutoff systems. Requirements vary by:

Insurer
State
Property type
Device certification

Owners should confirm eligibility before purchasing equipment.

A discount should remain a secondary benefit. Preventing a loss carries more value because avoiding a claim can:

Protect the home
Reduce disruption
Prevent an insurance deductible

Resources from Shieldly Premier Insurance Solutions may help owners consider prevention tools as part of a broader property protection plan.

How Should Rental Property Owners Use Smart Sensors?

Rental owners should focus on devices that protect units and reduce maintenance delays. Water sensors can alert property managers before leaks become major repairs.

Smart locks may create temporary access codes for maintenance teams. Thermostats can also flag unsafe temperatures between tenants.

Owners should disclose connected equipment, follow privacy laws, and limit cameras to lawful exterior locations. Indoor cameras should never be used to monitor private tenant spaces.

What Cybersecurity Steps Protect Smart Home Systems?

Owners should change default passwords and enable multifactor authentication. Firmware and mobile applications should receive regular updates. A separate Wi-Fi network for connected devices can add protection when the router supports it.

Access for former residents, contractors, and service providers should be removed promptly. Owners should also review:

Application permissions
Video storage settings
Data-sharing policies

A secure hub matters because one weak device may expose other connected systems.

Use Home Technology to Strengthen Everyday Protection

Effective home technology gives owners earlier warnings and greater control. Leak detectors, automatic shutoff valves, connected alarms, security sensors, smart outlets, and climate monitors can limit damage when installed in the right locations.

No device removes every risk. Strong protection still requires regular maintenance, safe habits, updated insurance coverage, and a clear emergency plan.

Explore our other guides and articles for practical news about protecting homes, managing risks, and making informed property decisions.

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Volunteer Work for Black Americans Pays Off By Helping Others and Building Portfolios

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Volunteer work can be personally fulfilling and can even benefit your professional life. Learn about the perks of dedicating your time to helping others here.

Published

2 days ago

July 23, 2026

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Volunteer work can pay off for Black Americans by letting them experience personal fulfillment as they reach out, interact with, and help others in need. The charity work they engage in, whether it’s leadership, mentorship, or organizational roles, can also help them build their professional portfolio.

All those positive impacts, combined with the potential health and wellness benefits of volunteering, can help explain why many Americans engage in charitable work.

Per the latest U.S. Census Bureau and AmeriCorps’ biennial civic engagement survey, over 75.7 million Americans 16 years+ formally volunteered through an organization from September 2022 to September 2023. They dedicated 4.99 billion hours, which had an economic value of over $167.2 billion.

What Are the Primary Types of Volunteer Work?

There are several primary types of volunteer work, usually categorized based on commitment structure and type of volunteer services rendered. Three of the most common categories include: formal, informal, and skills-based volunteering.

Formal Volunteering

Formal volunteering involves partnering with a trustworthy, reputable, and licensed volunteer organization. It’s a highly structured approach, requiring dedicated commitment from volunteers and their chosen charitable nonprofit organization.

Formal charity workers can engage in opportunities that involve volunteering overseas, interstate, or locally. They undergo training, adhere to specific guidelines, and usually work on scheduled shifts.

Informal Volunteering

Informal volunteer opportunities are casual, flexible, and unstructured acts of kindness. They present themselves outside of formal organizational structures, directly benefiting recipients. They can be sudden and random or scheduled.

Skills-Based Volunteering

Skills-based volunteering gives professionals the chance to leverage their specialized trade, expertise, or talents to help individuals or organizations. With their help, nonprofits can save money and use the funds to support more charitable work.

What Are Examples of Volunteer Work?

A popular and common example of volunteer work is a food bank. Volunteers here can play various roles, including:

Cooks
Servers
Sorters
Inspectors
Drivers

Being a food bank volunteer is a type of formal volunteering. The food bank, in turn, is the nonprofit charitable organization that volunteers work with.

You can also find volunteer work in many other sectors, from childcare to healthcare, as noted by Involvement Volunteers International. Nonprofits also offer opportunities in community and education outreach programs.

As for informal volunteering, it can be something as simple yet impactful as running errands (e.g., mowing the lawn or picking up groceries) for a neighbor who’s older or has an injury or disability. It can also involve organizing a neighborhood cleanup or checking in on home-bound community members.

Members of the Black community interested in sharing their expertise may explore skills-based volunteering, too. One example is providing pro-bono legal counsel. Another is offering medical services at a community clinic in an underserved neighborhood.

How Does Volunteer Work Pay Off for Members of the Black Community?

An article published by the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute in April 2026 noted that America is home to 1.9 million nonprofits. It also cited data from a 2025 Urban Institute research, which stated that 75% of these organizations say volunteers are integral to their operations, with 23% even being completely dependent on volunteers.

All those figures underscore the value of volunteer work, which not only benefits the recipients of the charitable service but also those who provide it. Here’s how volunteers from Black communities can reap the fruits of their philanthropic work.

Personal Fulfillment

Volunteer work gives Black Americans a way to experience personal fulfillment because it ties them to kinship networks. Such social connections and interactions can provide a profound sense of intrinsic joy, something brought about by the act of supporting neighbors and those in need while also advocating for equity.

There’s also a sense of fulfillment in being able to empower the next generation through volunteering services. Members of the Black community, for instance, can commit their time to skills-based volunteer work, which lets them pass down knowledge, share skills, and foster cultural pride.

Volunteering also comes with potential health benefits. As explained by the University of Kentucky, giving back can make people feel better, as it supports physical, mental, and emotional health. It noted the findings of studies that show a connection between regular volunteering and:

Lower rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness
Higher life satisfaction and self-esteem
Lower blood pressure
Reduced inflammation
Improved heart health

Career Advancement and Portfolio Building

Volunteer work can open doors to career-advancing and skill-building opportunities. As members of the black community experience fulfillment and joy in helping others, they can also:

Gain hands-on experience in tasks or activities like project management and leadership
Close representation gaps, particularly in high-impact industries where there’s an underrepresentation of people of color
Forge vital connections (career, social, or networking)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Are Volunteers Needed the Most?

The urgent need for volunteers often arises in areas that require crisis response and food security.

Natural disasters, for instance, often fuel the demand for volunteers, as they can cause sudden, widespread, and devastating effects that can overwhelm local professional responders and emergency services. They create an emergency need for extra hands to carry out tasks like food and water distribution, staffing emergency shelters, and search and rescue operations.

Areas with a high rate of food insecurity also welcome volunteers with open arms. In these scenarios, volunteers often assist with food preparation, packaging, sorting, and distribution.

What Is the Best Volunteering Activity?

There’s no “single” best volunteering activity, as it’s highly subjective and depends on a person’s specific interests, unique skills, and individual capacity.

In many cases, the most impactful and rewarding choices are those that align with someone’s passions, such as helping out at food banks or caring for animals at a shelter. It can also be sharing skills and knowledge through mentoring and leadership programs.

Consider Participating in Volunteer Work

While most volunteer work may not be lucrative, Black Americans who decide to participate in it often find it very rewarding and fulfilling. Giving back alone can already make you feel better, but it can also be a great way to develop and hone skills that can help advance your career or build your professional portfolio.

Read other informative guides like this or stay in the loop of the latest events in the Black community by checking out our most recent posts.