[Azred]

This is stupidly ridiculous. There should be only two qualifiers for attending a school: academic performance and money (the ability to afford the school's tuition). I don't disagree that racial diversity helps to create a more life-like learning environment, but there is no Constitutional requirement that a school be racially diverse.

because I know people sometimes misinterpret statements, note that the last sentence in the above paragraph does not mean that I am either racist or a segregationist, just that there is no requirement for racial diversity

Obviously, your ethnic origin is something with which you are born; you have no choice about it. However, the same applies to your parents' economic status--you are born into their situation whether they are poor or rich. In an effort to create economic diversity, shouldn't economic status also become a factor to be considered for admission to a university? The lack of money or the lack of ability to get a scholarship should not be a barrier to admission, if the logic is followed. Isn't the goal of diversity to give everyone an equal chance? If so, then why limit that to ethnic origin or religious preference?

As far as a "compelling state interest" in concerned, wouldn't a real "compelling state interest" be in giving everyone a university education? A low-interest loan for everyone, or even a state-funded university that charges no tutition? A well-educated workforce would help the economy as a whole, you know. (wouldn't the tax-and-spenders love that plan? [img]tongue.gif[/img] )

Bottom line, applications for education admission or employment should be blind: you fill out the application, the application is given a number and all personal information is omitted, then the application is reviewed. That is the real definition of "equal opportuity", not some modified form of affirmative action, an idea I have never liked.

[ 06-25-2003, 12:36 PM: Message edited by: Azred ]