TC SE Session 3 homework doubt

Given their conviction that they’d rather _____ prejudice than tolerate injustice, the leaders have recently _____ reforms that emphasize impartiality.

The answer to blank one seems to be curbing prejudice.

Why can’t it be something along the lines of having prejudice.
Like I’d rather have a headache than cancer.

Wouldn’t something less bad be contrasted with the worst possible outcome?

yes, it’s a possibility but ets won’t do that.