A good essay doesn't need to be long or drawn out, but it SHOULD demonstrate a firm grasp of the English language, attention to detail, and the ability to organize one's thoughts. All of these skills are important in college and in most career paths that require a college degree.
Succumbing to political correctness only serves to reward pupils who lack either the intellect or the work ethic needed to succeed, at the expense of those who do not. The real world is (mostly) a meritocracy; why isn't higher education the same way?
Not in liberal circles. You're measured only by how well you lie.
why isn't higher education the same way?
Because higher education is a liberal enclave.
See how it works?