Despite the headlines about the terrible increase in hate crimes against Asian Americans amid the coronavirus pandemic, one system that systemically discriminates against Asian Americans remains and must be abolished: affirmative action.

Proponents of affirmative action say that the system allows for fair representations of minorities in higher education and other institutions. However, selecting or disqualifying people based on their race, ethnicity, sexuality, or similar factors is the exact definition of discrimination. Just as being racist won’t end racism, discriminating against some groups in favor of others, which is what affirmative action does, won’t end discrimination.