Auburn U.: "this diversity-mad atmosphere"

[hoosier]

From the campus newspaper:

why did Wes Williams, the vice president of Student Affairs, issue a statement the day of the court's decision on Grutter v. Bollinger saying the administration was reviewing the case, and may adjust Auburn's admissions policy?

Sure, Auburn could use diversifying. The University is predominately white, and the campus atmosphere reflects this. Diversity of ideas would challenge the norm, and diversity of customs and cultures would help develop the student body's moral and aesthetic appreciation.

But how could adjusting the admissions policy effect any change?

If Auburn lowered its standards any more, there wouldn't be any standards, and minorities still wouldn't come. Auburn is seen as a white college, and unless the University does something to change that perception, it always will be seen that way.

Instead of creating a superfluous admissions policy, Auburn needs to reach minority high school students. Let the black girl or the Hispanic boy know there is a place for them at Auburn.

Give every guidance counselor in the state information about the many programs at Auburn that cater to minority needs. Make sure every minority student knows about scholarships available to him or her.

Admissions policies need to become more rigid, not less.

Loosening Auburn's already slack guidelines is just the next step in the administration's ongoing apology to the black community.

Five years ago, did the University leadership even consider diversity? Not vocally. But throw a handful of drunken frat boys at a Halloween party and some bad publicity into the mix and suddenly the University is diversity crazy, committing itself to change in grand fashion (with statements to all major media outlets).

In its effort to save face, the administration has wasted large sums of money on centers and programs that don't promote much diversity, and changed the concept of diversity itself.

Diversity is no longer an ideal; it's an annoying survey professors make you take; it's a word SGA senators like to drop; it's a justification for axing two trustee nominations.

In this diversity-mad atmosphere, minority students are no longer ends in themselves, but means to a social end. The University wants to present itself as a leader in the academic world, and thinks diversifying the campus is the best (or easiest) way to accomplish this.

Williams actually said Auburn was "especially" committed to getting more black students, making the administrations intentions obvious.

Each black student is another pin on Auburn's proud chest, and you don't have to be white to be embarrassed by it.