Enlightenment of affirmative action is in place as a response to an earlier letter entitled, "Affirmative Action causes grad rates" (SN 3/2), by Joseph Blaim.

Mr. Blaim's gross error of affirmative action is apparent. In his article, he points out that California universities have banned preferential treatment in admissions and that doing so has increased both graduation rates and grade-point averages of "black students." The use of one example to generalize an ethnic discrimination crisis hundreds of years old is irrational.

Secondly, he notes that poor graduation rates are a "logical result of affirmative action." This assessment is mistaken, as the goal of affirmative action is to increase graduation rates among minorities.

Unfortunately, poor graduation rates are due to African Americans being strained to operate in a society that caters economically, academically, socially and legally to the majority. Mr. Blaim maintains that universities aren't responsible for ensuring that "students are able to be successful," nevertheless we pay thousands in tuition.

The foremost inaccuracy in Blaim's argument is that affirmative action "lowers standards for black students." Affirmative action is designed to draw attention to qualified minorities that would have otherwise been disregarded. Affirmative action caters to all minorities, not solely "blacks." WEB Dubois, Malcolm X or Lorraine Hansberry to gain impartial views.

Ignorance is the key to a dismal history repeating itself.

Christopher Rooks
finance junior and member of
The State News Board of Directors