Race-based scholarships wrong
I disagree with the means by which the College Republicans at Roger William’s University are attempting to make a point by offering a scholarship program for whites only.
The point they attempt to make is that since there exist scholarship opportunities based on minority status, there should also exist one based on being white.
While they may hit upon a larger legal issue, their further attempt to divide people on race does not help the situation.
I believe that affirmative action programs are needed. Many groups have been historically discriminated against and attempts should be made to ensure an equal playing field for these groups.
The means by which universities seek to achieve this diversity through the use of race-based scholarships does raise some very troubling issues though.
Race-based scholarships are used as a recruitment tool to promote student body diversity. When scholarships are offered it makes a university look more attractive for the applicant.
Setting aside scholarships solely based on race will increase minority enrollment. However, I do not agree with the way these programs are administered because it further divides and judges people based on their race alone.
A better way to administer scholarship programs to promote diversity is to base the criteria on financial need.
Again, looking at historically disadvantaged groups, many minority groups need financial help.
This is also true, however, of white people. To open these financial aid programs up to all disadvantaged people would have the effect of not dividing people based on race while at the same time achieving substantial minority enrollment.
The LSU Law Center operates such a scholarship program based on race alone.
There are 60 full tuition waivers available each year for only African-American students.
Last year the Law Center spent over $600,000 alone for this program. I believe this program should be changed to include all disadvantaged students based on many factors and not just race alone.
To continue such a program based solely on race only further divides people because of the color of their skin.
Donald Hodge
LSU Law Student
LSU, Southern both fine institutions
When Hannah Anderson suggested that LSU and Southern University become one entity, it was still a laughing matter.
But, to hear Wilks Holmes oppose her suggestion with implications that Southern is academically “good” and LSU is academically “great” is quite disturbing. Holmes’ assertion hints that historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) are educationally inferior to those that are not.
These sentiments are problematic at best because they reflect a historical, cultural and dare I say, racial stereotype.
It is worth mentioning that the “two colleges, one city” model isn’t unique to Baton Rouge. In fact, there are many cities where there are enough competent college students to go around.
Both LSU and Southern were officially established as land grant, research-intense universities by the state. LSU was established in the 1860s. Southern University was established in the 1890s for the “colored people.”
Over the years, both have blossomed into well-respected, multi-faceted public institutions that prepare students to make lasting contributions to society.
But, there is such a thing as a priority gap. HBCUs have long suffered from less funding and acclamation than “flagship universities.”
Of course they are smaller and likely don’t require the same amount of resources; however, the numbers are irrefutably disproportionate.
Southern University, comprised of five campuses, happens to be the largest, strongest and longest-standing HBCU system in the nation.
Additionally, Southern boasts nationally competitive programs in nursing, engineering and law, among others.
Still, as a collective, they only pull in a few more million than the LSU AgCenter alone. Fair or not, money talks and everything else walks.
The amount of dollars a university receives is an undeniable factor in the level of ‘prestige.’
So, to trivialize their academic integrity merely because their admissions requirements are lower is unfair. The reason these universities should stay separate is simple, they both have ‘great’ things going.
Their histories, while simultaneous, are culturally and socially unique. Therefore, students, blacks and non-blacks, choose to attend them for individual reasons.
I am proud to be a first generation LSU Tiger in my family; but, I am just as proud to be the product of a family full of Southernites who instilled within me the importance of higher education.
Brandon Smith
Junior
Political Science and International Studies
SG Vice President calls for student help
Fellow students,
I am writing this letter with intent of gaining support to protect one of the dearest freedoms that we as college students enjoy. Currently, the Baton Rouge Metro Council is considering a proposal that would make it illegal for those under 21 to enter night clubs and bars. I find it outrageous that a town that is home to two large universities and the fastest growing community college in the nation would place such stiff sanctions on its residents.
I’m shocked that a city that prides itself on culture and entertainment would ban 18-20 year olds from going out to dance and hear live music. Local business and local music will be distraught if this measure passes.
If you share my outrage at this proposed travesty of freedom please join me at the next Metro Council meeting February 25th at 4:30pm.
The meeting will be in room 364 of the Governmental Building, 222 St. Louis Street. Also, please contact the Metro Council at 225-389-3123 or [email protected] and give your opinion.
Jason Wesley
Student Body Vice President