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I don't think a lottery system is a replacement for affirmative action, it would still not be representative of the racial makeup of our population. And if rew

I don't think a lottery system is a replacement for affirmative action, it would still not be representative of the racial makeup of our population. And if rewarding hard work were the only criteria for admission, then legacy preferences wouldn't exist, either. That is the sort of thing affirmative action attempts to balance out. I don't have an answer, and I hope that all who have earned an opportunity are rewarded. But whenever I see that a group is under-represented relative to population, I have to wonder what the reasons are and what can be done to help. I am OK with having to work harder if it means someone who has had fewer opportunities, resources and support than me – not only in their lifetime, but for generations in their family – gets a boost. It seems some are afraid of having to work as hard as someone who was not born with a silver spoon in their mouth.

parineum 3y ago
> it would still not be representative of the racial makeup of our population. I think the point is that it doesn't need to. College admission is 18 years late for trying to correct racial and social disadvantages.
- shanecleveland 3y ago
  Early intervention is absolutely best. I have four children and we have about as much opportunity, support and resources as you could ask for, and it is still a huge undertaking to raise a family. Affordable/free preschool, childcare, school lunches, summer programs, etc., would all be helpful. Perhaps universities can (are?) getting involved in that. But until we do a better job as a country/society funding these programs for all, then disparities will persist. In the absence of that, the need remains.
  - parineum 3y ago
    > Perhaps universities can (are?) getting involved in that. But until we do a better job as a country/society funding these programs for all, then disparities will persist. This is actually something I was thinking about reading through these comments. These universities should focus on "giving back" type programs, I think. Something like sending their professors to underprivileged schools to speak to or involve themselves in students lives. Mentorship programs that start much earlier in a child's life could make a massive difference. The problem with programs like that is they don't provide tangible results fast enough for administrator and politicians to justify themselves.

parineum 3y ago

> it would still not be representative of the racial makeup of our population. I think the point is that it doesn't need to. College admission is 18 years late for trying to correct racial and social disadvantages.

shanecleveland 3y ago
Early intervention is absolutely best. I have four children and we have about as much opportunity, support and resources as you could ask for, and it is still a huge undertaking to raise a family. Affordable/free preschool, childcare, school lunches, summer programs, etc., would all be helpful. Perhaps universities can (are?) getting involved in that. But until we do a better job as a country/society funding these programs for all, then disparities will persist. In the absence of that, the need remains.
- parineum 3y ago
  > Perhaps universities can (are?) getting involved in that. But until we do a better job as a country/society funding these programs for all, then disparities will persist. This is actually something I was thinking about reading through these comments. These universities should focus on "giving back" type programs, I think. Something like sending their professors to underprivileged schools to speak to or involve themselves in students lives. Mentorship programs that start much earlier in a child's life could make a massive difference. The problem with programs like that is they don't provide tangible results fast enough for administrator and politicians to justify themselves.