Top 10 percent rule is unfair

happy4him
Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:24:31 +0000

Basic and govman- I appreciate that we have entered into a healthy debate and passed emotional statements.

Basic- While I don’t totally disagree with your latest argument, the challenge is to achieve the fairest system possible. It will never be perfect. I agree that it does not feel fair to have students be admitted to UT with lower test scores, but test scores will always be higher in advantaged schools for reasons we have already debated. It’s not the students fault that they go to an inferior school, and deal with multiple other disadvantages, nor is it a students fault that they go to a better public school or for that matter a superior private school; but this is a state university, and I agree that the law should give equal footing to students who have achieved the top 10% rank at all public high schools. This policy should improve the entire public school system in years to come. The old expression that it is hard to see the forest for the trees applies here. Your view is obstructed by the trees, and I am asking you to step back and see the forest. I do think you are a very bright person, otherwise I would have stopped posting by now.

govman- Just because everyone doesn’t come to college with an equal education, does not mean that they will decrease the value of an education at UT. The education students receive at UT will allow everyone to reach their ability and be successful, that is not going to change. I can not express strongly enough my belief that education with a diverse student body will benefit everyone.

After my trip to Jerusalem, our class thesis concluded that the first step towards a resolution would best be accomplished by begining a school where the Jewish and Palistinian students were educated together from primary school on. The hope was that they could develop relationships young and not let the only focus be on their differences. Unfortunately that has been many years ago and nothing has really changed. I do not think we should water down our cultures and all be the same. I do think we need to respect where others come from, and do whatever we can to help one another.

Peace :)