Reply #14: Here is a definition. [View All]

http://www.affirmativeaction.org/

"Founded in 1974, the American Association for Affirmative Action (AAAA) is dedicated to the advancement of affirmative action, equal opportunity and the elimination of discrimination on the basis of race, gender, ethnic background or any other criterion that deprives people of opportunities to live and work. The organization's dedication is realized in its many activities designed to help Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) professionals be more successful and productive in their careers."

I think Dean's statement was about 'uniting' people and expanding AA to meet the criteria described above. In other words, people who are poor have less opportunity regardless of skin color, women face discrimination regardless of race, disabled Americans face discrimination regardless of race, income, etc. In other words, basing AA on color alone is divisive. That is what Dean was trying to communicate when his words were twisted.

Dean fully supports Affirmative Action in every sense of the word.