Clout? In Illinois? SHOCKED!!!

<p>[Chicago</a> Tribune argues in federal court that Clout Goes to College documents are not education records - chicagotribune.com](<a href=“http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-u-of-i-lawsuit-0814-20110814,0,2241851.story]Chicago”>http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-u-of-i-lawsuit-0814-20110814,0,2241851.story)</p>

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<p>Back story: the 2009 “Clout Goes to College” Tribune series revealed that a number of politically well-connected applicants were admitted to the University of Illinois after having been initially rejected when inquiries were made on their behalfs by people of influence. The scandal caused a number of heads to roll, including that of the president of the university and a number of members of the board.</p>

<p>This was through the Graduate College, was it not?</p>

<p>Undergraduate admissions and law school admissions.</p>

<p>From an October 2009 article:</p>

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<p>[No-clout</a> rules get 1st test at U. of I. - chicagotribune.com](<a href=“http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/watchdog/college/chi-091029u-of-i,0,6512302.story]No-clout”>No-clout rules get 1st test at U. of I.)</p>

<p>Total aside, putting on my journalist’s hat: This is a good example why Internet blogging can never replace good boots-on-the-ground investigative reporting.</p>