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January 28, 2003
The Death of Diversity
Kapow! Mavericks of the academic elite have dealt a stunning blow to the theory of 'diversity'. It was only a matter of time before the proper argument was stated. Good riddance. Now perhaps we can get on with integration and social justice, you think?
I. The MAS asserts that achieving racial diversity in the university student body can never be a “compelling state interest” sufficient to justify explicit racial discrimination.II. The MAS also asserts that the racially discriminatory admissions systems of the University do not, in any event, substantially advance intellectual diversity, nor do racebased programs contribute to the central aim of the University – the pursuit of truth.
III. The MAS further asserts that, under the Equal Protection Clause, “academic freedom” does not license or conscience racially discriminatory conduct.
IV. The MAS contends that the racial preferences of the University are immoral and totally unacceptable in a democratic society.
V. The MAS concludes that racial preferences in admissions engender tension and racial hostility on the University campus.
this is brilliant, and it is practically unassailable. it portends the death of diversity, just as it should die.
on the other hand, it leaves the question of the legacy of institutional racism entirely up in the air, and it flattens history against better judgement. it is exactly because there is no compelling state interest in diversity that one cannot equate the discriminations in admissions with those which have motivated constitutional amendments. to call it all 'racism' and equate all moral outrages is in itself an outrage.
it also makes a strong case that the mission of university is not public spirited in that it should not respond to popular demand. appealing, but...
Posted by mbowen at January 28, 2003 03:31 PM
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