Jeb's Higher Education Plan Is Clearly Helping Minorities [One Florida works]

The Tampa Tribune, via www.jeb.org ^ | March 10, 2002 | Editorial Board, Tampa Tribune

[summer]

FL Gov Jeb Bush, always spending time out in the
field at FL schools, with students and teachers.

Monday, March 11, 2002

Tampa Tribune Editorial

Jeb's Higher Education Plan Is Clearly Helping Minorities [One Florida works]

Gov. Jeb Bush has taken a lot of heat over his One Florida plan to eliminate racial quotas. Critics said the plan would resegregate state universities.

Lost in all the ruckus was that the policy was aimed at defusing a referendum campaign to eliminate affirmative action, which would have stripped the state of any flexibility in aiding minorities.

And Bush stressed his plan would protect minorities. One Florida guarantees that the top 20 percent of every high school senior class is accepted into a state university if those students have taken preparatory classes. The administration believed this provision would ensure diversity.

The latest figures indicate the governor was correct. Some 1,250 more minority students entered the state university system this school year than in 1999, the year before One Florida was implemented.

Moreover, diversity in the university system remained virtually unchanged, with minorities making up more than 36 percent of the entering class.

The governor has taken a number of other steps to help minority students, including boosting financial aid, that appear to be working.

This does not mean One Florida is beyond debate. The program is still new and shortcomings may become evident later. But despite the continuing shrill complaints, the encouraging numbers support the governor's stand that diversity can be achieved without quotas.

[summer]

Check out:

Re: One Florida / court decision. (No going back now.)

[jalisco555]

LOL...make that: "in swing voter Tampa!"

Considering what we learned in 2000 about Florida vote counting practices, maybe you were right the first time ;-)

[summer]

LOL.... :)

[jalisco555]

Great photo. Imagine Reno in that room instead of Jeb. Poor kids would be shrieking in terror.

[FreeTally]

Moreover, diversity in the university system remained virtually unchanged, with minorities making up more than 36 percent of the entering class.

Does this figure mean all non-whites?

[summer]

I would guess yes, but see post #12, as I am sure the correct answer to your question is found somewhere in that link I posted.

[summer]

LOL...

[Kryptonite]

Thanks. But I'd like to find out the specifics of why the prior Florida affirmative action plan would fall within the 11th Circuit's holding that the Georgia race-based admissions policy was unconstitutional. Can you provide any specifics about the prior plan and tell me the name of the 11th Circuit case or provide a link to it?

I don't mean to ask too much of you, but you have earned a reputation for being most helpful.

[summer]

LOL...I love questions. And, you have a good one. Now, let me check my Answer Book here, and get back to you... :)!

[Kryptonite]

I found the 11th Circuit case. Now I need specifics on the Florida affirmative action plan.

[summer]

See post #12. I will post another link for you in my next reply on this thread.

[summer]

I think you meant One Florida -- check this out here.

[connectthedots]

LOL...make that: "in swing voter Tampa!"

At least you didn't type 'swinger voter'!

[summer]

LOL!

[Kryptonite]

Actually, I meant the old program, but your link provides some information on both old and new.

Thanks again.

[summer]

My pleasure. Thanks for letting me know. :)