‘Diversity’ fails
To the editor:
And so it has been reported, a woeful song from the University of Florida.
It appears that the black enrollment has dropped by 30 percent over the past several years. This has resulted in a “diversity crisis.” Why this is considered a crisis I am at a loss, but nonetheless the university is in a quandary.
Why? Is this a fault of the university?
I was not aware that the purpose of a university demanded diversity. I was under the impression that it was to be a place of learning, of education, not a gathering for societal construction.
The problem, it seems, is one of no longer using gender or race as a consideration for admittance. What a concept: students have to have some skills as a result of prior education. In other words, only the best qualified students will gain admittance.
The problem may be a function of black students not applying in the first place. Is UF to drag them kicking and screaming into the admitting office?
There are, perhaps, other reasons but I seriously doubt that they will be entertained, for even the fleetest of moments, as they do not fit the pretended scenarios. Filling classrooms with some perceived idea of success is sheer lunacy.
The desire to attend college is fed by many ingredients of a student’s desires.
Their environment may encourage someone to reach certain goals in their life predicated upon family environment, social environment and personal self-improvement. Race or color does not make one a success. The overarching factor in success is usually one of determined achievement for individual satisfaction.
The best qualified should not be at a disadvantage if other considerations are in place. The end result may be one in which the population of mediocrity is indeed made to be “diverse” by penalizing some because, although they were better qualified, they were not allowed entry because of, or because they were not, a certain color, or race, or gender.
Discrimination on many levels still persists, perhaps because as humans we choose that which we desire, not because of a dictate from some legislature. We are much more complex than simple societal automatons. We should demand the very best; we all are paying for it.
Discrimination is a two way street. It is a zero sum equation.
Joseph L. Kibitlewski, PhD.
Cape Coral