Socio-Economic Diversity

Christcorp
Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:48:15 +0000

Why do you assume that all the merit scholarships are being given out at the expense of poorer applicants? A typical year at Tulane is approximately $45-$50,000. Even for middle and upper middle class people, that is a significant amount of money. Are you saying that a family that is making $100,000 a year should be penalized and have to spend half of their income; more like 2/3 after taxes, so their child can go to tulane; and that only the poorer families should benefit from merit scholarships and other aid?

While it is definitely wrong to look down on people who aren’t as fortunate as oneself, it is equally wrong to be hostile out of envy and jealousy and assume that those who are better off are automatically snobby. The truth is, there are a lot of organizations out there that have pushed class warfare to the public quite heavily over the last 40 years. The real truth is that most people who are “Well to do” have worked very hard for their wealth. They don’t generally look down on those less fortunate. They pay a lot more in taxes that support social programs. And they contribute much more to the employment of others. But for some reason, some groups have many believe that people who are better off are evil. That they are snobby. When the truth is; you and only you have the potential to achieve any level of greatness and prosperity that you choose. Those who have achieved such prosperity shouldn’t be penalized and punished for such hard work.

But, before you go accusing me of anything; I am quite far from being “Rich”. Although, that is a matter of interpretation. Based on some people’s income and lifestyle, a person making $50,000 a year is considered rich, which to someone else, you aren’t rich unless you make $200,000 a year. Also, I am still researching Tulane and whether or not my Son might go there.

But, I am sure that the decision my son and I make concerning his education in college won’t be determined by how rich or poor or diverse the student body is at the school. Actually, I would prefer that the majority of the student body be smarter and wealthier than my son. You achieve greater success when surrounded by those who are more successful. I believe in natural diversity; not mandated. If you’ve got the grades to go to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Tulane, Stanford, etc… then you should be able to find grants, scholarships, loans, etc… to be able to go. Shouldn’t matter if you are rich or poor. Likewise, you shouldn’t be able to go to a particular school just because you are poor and they want diversity, or because you are rich and can buy your way in.

Anyway, I think it’s a shame that you would put off certain schools because there are “Too many” rich kids going there. Imagine the discussion if someone said they didn’t want to go to certain Public universities or community colleges because it’s mostly “Poor” kids. Or that they didn’t want to consider a certain school because there’s too many blacks there in comparison to whites. Tulane has been around since 1834 and is one of the largest research universities in the country. WHATEVER standard they have set for themselves, I hope they maintain it. I hope they never bow down to the politically correct and change or lower their standards for admission. The same goes for harvard, yale, princeton, stanford, MIT, and any other great school. They were founded long ago based on certain standards and philosophies. I hope they stay as prestigious as they always have been.