No Time for Colorblindness (Why We Need Affirmative Action)

Washington Post ^ | Sunday, December 15, 2002; Page B07 | Mary Sue Coleman

[shrinkermd]

The Supreme Court has now agreed to hear two closely watched affirmative action cases from the University of Michigan involving the consideration of race and ethnicity in law school and undergraduate admissions. The court, long at the forefront of battles over issues of race facing our society, now has an opportunity to reaffirm its long-standing support for integrated learning environments that provide educational benefits for all students.

[shrinkermd]

The University of Michigan is about to change the law of the land. Identity politics, if successful, will fracture the very essence of the country which is equal justice under the law.

[wildwood]

gush gush gush over so-called equity. so we have people trying to be doctors and lawyers who demand EXTRA time on all their test and projects because they have DISABILITIES...they will get the same medical and legal degrees as everyone else; as a client, you may never know the fees charged to you are based on the "disabilities" of individuals who need extra time to figure out the solution to what is wrong with you....

at the local y, we have individuals with down's syndrome checking you in at the desk in a high activity job, digging for your card, taking an EXTRA 10 minutes to figure out how to spell your complicated last name...don't be frustrated every day with the wait, because that would be intolerant..

in high school, because we are mainstreaming, a down's syndrome student urinated and defecated on himself, went to the bathroom, carried the soiled underpants into his classroom, and then became so frustrated that he knelt in the hall in front of his locker and masturbated.

yeah, this is the richness of diversity. fair to one and all.

[jimtorr]

I'm not worried about it. This court has shown a fairly consistent dislike of race-based law.

[chasio649]

and when is this magical point in time for colorblindness?
of course the pat answer is when everyone is equal...that is why Castro is adored...he spread misery equally and fooled everyone into thinking they would be on a level playing field. You have to be careful with those code words.

[wunderkind54]

So this article was written by the president of the Univ. of Michigan...that explains a lot! Just so much moral masturbation. Obviously, being a president of a university does not mean one must be coherent.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

and when is this magical point in time for colorblindness?

It's never too late to do the right thing. Of course, reparations to all those who have been discriminated against over the past decades in the name of affirmative action may be justified.

[wayoverontheright]

More than 50 years of changes in higher education have taught us that the more diverse the academic environment, the more vigorous its discussions.

Ask David Horowitz or any student who tries to come out in class on the other side of this debate. What a dreamworld this statement requires one to live in.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

Obviously, being a president of a university does not mean one must be coherent.

No, but it does prove what one can attain--a $0.5M/yr job--when one devoutly worships and preaches at the alter of liberalism.

[End Times Sentinel]

Universities have relied on that decision for the past quarter-century, and it has worked well in guiding their admissions policies.
This recognition of the educational benefits of diversity has enriched and strengthened our institutions.
The educational environment we enjoy does not just happen. It comes in part from well-considered admissions practices designed to foster an atmosphere in which old habits of thought are challenged and new questions continually come at us, forcing us to reexamine what we thought we knew well.
More than 50 years of changes in higher education have taught us that the more diverse the academic environment, the more vigorous its discussions.

Seems to me like just another half baked liberal argument that “diversity” will increase the “vigor”, “vibrancy”, and “enrichment” of the college campus.

I suppose I’m supposed to believe that just because this sweet sounding liberal says so. The fact that this policy routinely recruits blacks and Hispanics who are ill equipped to succeed in particular colleges, serving the dual purpose of wasting their time and finances (not to mention potentially souring them on higher education) as well as creating the impression amongst their more qualified (but not due to racial set-asides) white and asian students that they are somehow less intelligent.

Owl_Eagle

” WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
DIVERSITY IS STRENGTH"

[alnick]

at the local y, we have individuals with down's syndrome checking you in at the desk in a high activity job, digging for your card, taking an EXTRA 10 minutes to figure out how to spell your complicated last name...don't be frustrated every day with the wait, because that would be intolerant..

I don't know about intolerant, but it would make you a self-centered, cold-hearted SOB. Join another gym if it bothers you, or ask the person to allow you to write your name or offer to spell it for them.

Take the time that you have to wait to reflect on how it would be if you were the one who had to live with Down Syndrome, or maybe your child. Maybe you could sacrifice a few minutes of your precious time to allow these people to be productive members of society rather than warehoused away somewhere so that people like you won't have to deal with them.

Sheesh.

[End Times Sentinel]

in high school, because we are mainstreaming, a down's syndrome student urinated and defecated on himself, went to the bathroom, carried the soiled underpants into his classroom, and then became so frustrated that he knelt in the hall in front of his locker and masturbated.

This is the kind of richness, vigor, diversity, and general kum-ba-yah that you just can't put a price tag on.

I'm certain the other students gained a wonderful experience and insight that was well worth the crippling humiliation indulged in by the boy with DS.

Owl_Eagle

" WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
DIVERSITY IS STRENGTH"

[LurkedLongEnough]

"Name one school administrator who is a bigot." -D.D.

[schaketo]

"Name one school administrator who is a bigot." -D.D.

Sure. Easy enough. Any school administrator that manages their school like this gentleman, is bigoted against every Anglo Saxon working hard and playing by the rules to gain admission to the school of their choice.

[VMI70]

Oh please. Are vying to be vice president of the Univ. of Michigan?

A more appropriate job is for this individual with Down's syndrome would be putting the jelly in the donuts at Krispy Kreme. Stop attempting to put people in activities that are beyond their capabilities.

[VMI70]

Are vying = Are you vying

[alnick]

Look the YMCA can hire anyone that they want to hire. If you don't like it, go somewhere else.

[riversarewet]

Take the time that you have to wait to reflect on how it would be if you were the one who had to live with Down Syndrome, or maybe your child. Maybe you could sacrifice a few minutes of your precious time to allow these people to be productive members of society rather than warehoused away somewhere so that people like you won't have to deal with them.

---

I agree with the original post. Tough if you do not like it. So go ahead call me names to. Does it make you feel better?

If a person can not perform the service they are being paid for, why should I suffer?.

Flame away, but I believe it is your view that is wrong.

[gitmo]

So the concepts of equal treatment and equal representation go out the window so some people can be stimulated by more vigorous discussions? Sounds like an exceedingly weak argument.

[Teacher317]

More than 50 years of changes in higher education have taught us that the more diverse the academic environment, the more vigorous its discussions.

Ah, yes, those "vigorous discussions" that diversity brings... like the 200 killed in Africa over the comment "Muhammed would happily choose a wife from among these women"... like the race riots and looting after the Rodney King verdict, the Cincinnati verdict, the Watts riots, the Philadelphia riots... like the civil war in India that saw millions killed... like the civil rights demonstrations in the South that were violently put down... like the thousands of Christians slaughtered for refusing to convert to islam... of COURSE UM would want more of these vigorous discussions on its campus! Diversity is our GREATEST strength!!

[wildwood]

ah, i see where you are coming from. let's identify people by what they CAN't do; then, because you are so full of benevolent kindness, find a job that will frustrate them and make everyone around them frustrated. why look for a job for "these people," as you say, that might be suitable and rewarding? that would not be OPEN-MINDED enough, i guess.

ah, yes, it's SO much better to force people into performing tasks that will only make them weep with despair. yes, that's true compassion.

btw, YES, my time IS precious. and i am NOT going to join another gym because employers refuse to consider appropriate qualifications when hiring employees.