A good example of the sad state of pro-preference argument can be found in this public conversation between Prof. Kevin Gaines, the director of the Center for African and African American Studies at the University of Michigan, and Byron Maxey, a U-M junior. (HatTip to reader Mike McFall)
[Prof. Gaines] said at a press briefing today that Proposal 2 made students of color feel unwanted on campus. U-M junior Bryon Maxey, a plaintiff in the case, agreed.
“If I were to go to another school, there would be a better chance for a supportive environment and a critical mass of students I can identify with,” said Maxey, who is considering U-M for graduate school.
I’m not sure any institution should want to attract any students who do not feel “wanted” unless they are given preferential treatment, or regret losing any students who resent being treated equally, i.e., without regard to their race.
As for Mr. Maxey, Prop. 2 did nothing to reduce his freedom to choose to apply only to schools that discriminate on the basis of race, i.e., that ensure the existence of a “critical mass” of students that is presumed to provide the sort of “supportive environment” Mr. Maxey wants.
But one thing that can be said in partial defense of the arguments stated by Prof. Gaines and Mr. Maxey is that they are no worse than the arguments of the Detroit Branch of the NAACP and the ACLU of Michigan whose lawyers
said today that the 2003 U.S. Supreme Court decision involving race and admissions at the University of Michigan made it clear that race and gender are among many factors that colleges may consider.
Yes, may. Not must. 58% of the voters of Michigan decided in 2006 to prohibit their institutions from doing what the Supreme Court, in its wisdom, said they “may” do.
Those guys have it totally backwards. It is the school that admits a student without regard to his race where he or she is truly wanted. This is almost too obvious to state. That school has looked at the applicant’s individual character, achievements and potential, and has invited that student–personally–to become part of its community. Quite a compliment, actually.
Once racial preferences are tossed into the mix, no black or latino student is “wanted” by the school in any individual or personal way. They’re all considered to be fungible, and their primary purpose is to function as part of a “group” that itself (as opposed to its members) is entitled to some “share” of various dispensations. It’s no longer about seeking exceptional candidates with outstanding achievements, but about how low the bar can be set. And it’s not much of a compliment to make the simple observation that someone is white, black, latino or asian. If I were to receive a letter in the mail that said “we just noticed that your skin is _________ colored, so we hereby invite you to join our group,” I would be insulted, not complimented.
And a heck of a lot of diversity gets thrown out the window here as well. For once you’re admitted as a “black” or “latino,” you better not express any thoughts that deviate from the party line. After all, that would prevent the other students from being exposed to your stereotypically identical views…
Congratulations!