In response to Jim Lala's column ("Diversity doesn't promote better education, system flawed"), I agree that in many cases people are responsible for their own success and failures. However, I feel that many black students and other minorities need affirmative action until there is equality in our schools and communities across the nation.

Please don't tell a minority who came from a nearly failing school district that we should not be here because of our lack of merit - especially when we have to compete with students who have been given unlimited opportunities since the beginning. Now don't get me wrong, we are working hard - in some occasions harder than any of our competitors. Why does it seem like our hard work doesn't measure up?

Not every brown, red, yellow or black person needs affirmative action, but what about those who do? I'm talking about the people who are the brightest and the best, but cannot afford to move to the suburbs and become better educated. What do we do?

I deserve to be here. If affirmative action had something to do with this, then I am proud.

Krystle Hunter
English freshman