Question about race and admissions

fabrizio
Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:44:40 +0000

It never gets put out because the majority often uses stats and grades as the prima faci reason that an applicant should get into a college. That is because opponents to racial consideration in admissions uses that as a bar that separates the deserving from those that are not (ignoring historical as well as current discrimination based on the belief that white privilege has somehow been irradiated and that every person is equal in the eyes of society and the status quo). Non-URMs, by virtue of belonging to the group in power, has had more resources and political clout than URMs–rural and low-income whites excluded. The only benefits rural and low-income whites have is the fact that they look like those in power–reducing their oppression by the non-URMs that have enjoy it. It is not surprising that there would be in-fighting between rural and low-income white and URMs because both have suffered marginalization. Again, out groups fight amongst themselves for power.



Is prima facie reason the same thing as the only reason? No.

There’s a difference between arguing that stats are an obvious reason why an applicant should get into a college and arguing that stats are the only reason why an applicant should get into a college. The former allows for the addition of other factors, such as essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations. The latter does not allow for anything other than stats.

I oppose racial preferences, but I certainly agree that being white can help in many facets of American life. Moreover, I do not believe that every person is equal in the eyes of society. Racism still exists, and anyone can be a racist. I do, however, believe that every person is equal under the law. To reiterate, the status quo means racial preferences are acceptable. That is what you support. I’m against it. Please stop claiming that opponents of racial preferences are for the status quo. It is not only disingenuous but also nonsensical to claim that opposition to the current state of affairs means support for the current state of affairs.