<p>As I understand URM status, it is accorded only to groups who have been in this country for hundreds of years, deprived of economic opportunity (money, money for college, better jobs, promotions…) based on their race. Examples: African Americans; Native Americans. </p>
<p>In order to correct this situation and bring these groups, historically persecuted throughout American history, to a level of opportunity that resembles their percentage in the general population, and more importantly to install diversity on the college campus for the benefit of ALL students to experience difference among the student body, the USA recently instituted Affirmative Action to give a boost to URM’s. It is hoped (and is already starting to show) that within a generation or two of enhanced opportunities, URM’s such as AfAm’s, Inuit, Native Americans will do in one generation what others took many generations to achieve as a group: educational success, that leads to greater social mobility and a chance to enter the midddle and upper classes of society. Now even after just one generation, the premise is under question because there are already children of middleclass and wealthy African American families who arguably should not be boosted by AA, but until it’s changed to something like “socioeconomic Affirmative Action without consideration of race…” this is where we stand in America today.</p>
<p>Concerning religion, there is no more religious filter to keep Jews out of universities, although there was within the Ivy League before WWII because --through academic merit–they began to fill up so many places it upset some administrators who didn’t want a social influence of Jewish students impacting the Christian students. All this has changed. Jews never had Affirmative Action; rather the quotas against only them in several IvyLeague schools were retired following WWII. </p>
<p>Affirmative Action for the historic URM’s of the U>S> was meant to right the old wrongs until such time as there was no more need for it. Some, but not most, American might say we’ve reached the point where race is not the indicator it used to be to automatically indicate poverty, but it was certainly that way when AA began.</p>
<p>Where does that put the children of Muslim immigrant families today? Based upon race, they only qualify as URM’s if they are also African-Americans. I think (but don’t know) if they were understood to come from Kenya (for example, like Barack Obama’s dad) that they might not win over an African American Muslim born in New York City. The pressure to right the historic wrongs is more focussed on groups who were ground down by the American experience for decades and centuries (AfAm, Native American…). This might not come as welcome news to any immigrant family, but URM is to remedy long old bad American stories in history, and generate diversity to benefit the campus because ALL students’ education is enriched by the presence of minorities.</p>
<p>I think if any “angle” it would be “enriched by the presence of minorities” and might come in the form of an essay or description of an experience that demonstrates how that student’s presence on campus enhances the world knowledge of other students. A well-crafted essay, or list of extracurriculars that speaks to a student’s interest in enlightening others without overwhelming them might be positive. If a student indicated interest in becoming chair of the Muslim Student Association and the administration saw elsewhere on the application a very responsible student and school citizen, that could be a plus. If they need an oboe player in the orchestra or soccer leader on the team, that’s a plus that transcends religion or culture. They might just want the student for some specially trained skills that fit into niches the college needs to fill.</p>
<p>I would also wonder to explore with parents whether they have special needs of the college, or worries. For example, if same-sex dorming is helpful to some traditional families, then they might look for single-gender schools or coed schools that have single-sex dorm offerings. If drinking concerns a family and they are not sure how their child will deal in a community that permits it, then a look at the social life on campus (how much social activity seems to depend on drinking; do they have children who can be handle situations where friends are drinking but they might abstain. In other words, can the student maintain their religious and cultural focus for 4 years, even while meeting different people and learning other lifestyles. </p>
<p>In terms of actual practice of religion, I think you know the key elements much better than I do. Do students already have clean rooms for daytime prayer or must they find their own spaces? Can Halal food be found easily or with a challenge? Is there an Imam or mosque in the nearby community? Does the student even mind if there isn’t? Do the parents anticipate a change from traditional religious focus or is that a worry for them? </p>
<p>Most of all, is the student ready to join in a college experience where others will disagree with the politics. Finding situations where nobody will disagree with political viewpoints is rather scary and undemocratic. I wouldn’t my kid to attend a place that only reinforced the politics we believe from home. I don’t think my kid should be the ambassador for my beliefs, either; I anticipate he’ll develop his own as he moves into adulthood. I wouldn’t want him maligned, assaulted (physically or verbally), or demeaned by a professor because of how he worships God. He should be free to practice his faith untroubled (it’s his business only). You have the right to anticipate the same safety for the children you want to help. </p>
<p>If on the campus he meets others who sputter in his face “Zionists are Nazis” I expect him to contradict that using rational, calm ways of speech. I would be horrified if he sputtered into to a collegemate’s face words like this: “Islamic nations are an axis of evil.” So much for politics that comes out as diatribe. It’s a poor excuse for political debate and knowledge that enlightens.</p>
<p>I think if I were an immigrant today I would tell my personal story and how it relates to seeking educational opportunities. I’d let it be seen on the application what I have to offer in the college community, be it sports, theater, music, science pizazz, whatever makes the student stand out from the rest.</p>
<p>That is not a strategy unique to Muslim students. It’s universal. Maybe what you need to do is help the assembled families know what is more universal advice about organizing, thinking through, and writing top quality college applications with strong recommendations from their teachers. You have a lot to present and teach the group, but I don’t know of any URM strategies that will enrich their applications unless they are African American already. </p>
<p>I’m open to being corrected, especially on the accuracy (not philosophy) of how I stated the Affirmative Action angle – what it offers and doesn’t offer to a group of Muslim immigrant families today.</p>
<p>:) We cross-posted just now! Did I mention a big ticket item? I hope it helps. Sounds like you’ve got it all in hand. Be sure to recommend CC to them, too.</p>
) Perhaps discussion on how to weave that diversity angle into their application package so that it stands out and provides a differentiated value is a legit one from an admission strategy point of view.</p></li>
before any kind of dialog can start.</p>