The videos required for this discussion each touch on overlapping social problems. Although we will examine education, inequality, and race, each of which can be defined as a social problem or major component of larger social problems, the basis of our discussion is based on a simple argument:

Education is an effective tool in our efforts to build a more equitable society.

Therefore, equal educational opportunities must be available to all citizens.

In the video, Affirmative Action vs. Cultural Diversity, Tom Brokaw asks: "How do we remedy the historic mistreatment of deserving black Americans without punishing deserving white Americans today?"

Our efforts to address the problems of racial inequality have been centered in on one of our most important social institutions - education. While the schools of this country are a local place to focus these efforts, can we fix one problem without creating another?