[CounterCounterCulture]

Rice: "I believe that while race-neutral means are preferable, it is appropriate to use race as one factor among others in achieving a diverse student body."

Later..."And so, I have been a supporter of affirmative action that is not quota-based and that does not seek to make race the only factor but considers race one among many factors."

Bit of a disconnect, Ms Rice.

[LS]

I don't support racial "quotas" of any sort. But do we not have "quotas" right now for sports---X number of slots go to athletes? And of those, X number go to females? And does the music program not have X number of scholarships?

What is the rationale for those scholarships/admission? Is is not that there is some greater "diversity" served by having a community of artists, athletes, etc. on campus rather than just 100% engineers? Or just the 5,000 smartest people based on SATs?

So I suggest that we have had "quotas" in place for years, only haven't called them that.

[jrawk]

I do not think there is a disconnect here at all. I would like to list some ways considering a persons race can help build the diversity of an institution without quotas. For purposes of the argument, I will be using the typical politically correct language.

1. Recruiting. Actively seek out diverse applicants. In other words send extra recruiting materials to racially diverse high schools etc. Get more to apply and more will get in, even if race is not considered in admissions.

2. Support. Colleges often offer high schools assistance, not money, but programs, like letting seniors take classes, tutoring, or tours, or orientation. Actively targeting diverse populations with these programs would not be a quota.

3. Publicizing success. Highlighting racially diverse success amongst students and faculty in press and packets. Actively put role models out.

4. Research. Encourage research towards diverse issue. Not in the political science, or history department either. Have the leading sickle cell anemia research department, and you may attract more diverse students and faculty.

These are all fair in my mind, and don't violate the constitution. I hope you get my point.

Of course take the public out of education and these problems evaporate... ;)

The amazing thing here is how the media has managed to spin this as a disagreement. The CBS Radio news bumb is especially offensive. Actually says there is a split in the administrations policy on affirmative action. Never mentions Rice's role in informing the Presidents decisions, just says she disagrees. That is IMHO putting words in Rices' mouth.


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