Affirmative Action. Should Colleges like Harvard have an admissions policy that reflects the demographics of the United States?

[Drewtate]

African American: Harvard 15.2%/ US 12.1%

Asian American: Harvard 27.9%/ US 5.9%

Hispanic or Latino: Harvard 12.6%/ US 18.3%

Native American: Harvard 2.9%/ US 2.9%

Jews: Harvard 10%/ US 1%

Whites: Harvard 32.4%/ US 71%

Yes

No

Less Whites & Asians

[Exterminatore]

I don’t feel administration policies that effect the demographics is important.


Admission should be simply based on the colleges admission policies. GPA, SAT scores etc and secondly the student having the funds or being able to secure the necessary loans to pay for the education.


From these stats you shared we see that Asians make up the second most ubiquitous racial group at Harvard. They’re not too far behind the white. In fact almost 70% there are non white. Policies of admission based on race only hurt those who have the skills and drive to succeed.


I think for each of us, life is pretty much what we make of it, and we are responsible for our choices and the outcomes of them. Therefore, let admissions be based on merit. Let those who succeed in their goals move forward, and those who fail, try again until they succeed or give up.


One thing I would suggest to aid students do better in schools and be more likely to be admitted into colleges is the eradication of gangs, particularly in poor Hispanic and black communities. I find it difficult to imagine one can concentrate and do well in school when they must fear constant violence. When they are left with the choice of “join our gang or be beaten or killed.”


No doubt there are many who find that lifestyle alluring, but let’s not let the criminality of others be an influencing factor in rising out of poverty. We need to have much harsher laws and much more aggressive policing to remove such scum from society. No child should be worried about ducking bullets as they do their math homework. No child should fail to get the education they are lawfully entitled to out of being forced to become gang members out of fear of violence.


Were it left to me and my decisions street gangs would be unheard of in America. I’d simply have them killed on sight and watch membership decline along with new recruits. They’re rabid dogs anyway and deserve nothing less then to be shot on sight and for their putrid corpses to be left where they are killed.

[Astarlessnightsky]

If the demographic of a college is different than the demographic of a state it means:

either there are tons of people coming from other states

or underrepresented ethnic groups are oppressed and don't have equal chances to reach higher education.

[Drewtate]

And under represented ethnic group at Harvard is?

[VforVindication]

It is not better if they are allowing tons of 'you know who' in the colleges who do not deserve to be there based on merit. Lowering the admission criteria to cater to those people is a dumbing down of our education system. It needs to be illegal. They should base the prerequisites with outstanding merit and hard work, not on black privilege.

[jennifer_bloom]

I only visited Harvard once as a tourist but I don't think Harvard is 27% Asian unless you mean 19% south Asian and 8% East Asian. I have met 3 South Asians who went to Harvard but I only know of two East Asians who went to Harvard.

[catiecatie]

I would hope that it’s based on qualifications like grades, volunteer work, etc. not based on what race you are.

[zagor]

Why should it?

For one thing, the white population tends to be older and thus less likely to apply to Harvard. The Latino population tends to be more likely to be children, and/or undocumented. So demographics don't tell much without context.

[Jamie05rhs]

Unfortunately, no. If families want their kids to go to college, they should tell them to pay attention in school and study hard. Skin color shouldn't be a factor.

[exitseven]

no, it should be based on merit., The hardest working students get in.

[AngelLily]

Anyone who is qualified should be able to go College. Now There’s more of a Class problem then a Racial problem when it comes to College an who Gets in. The rich will always be able to get in

[Anonymous]

They should admit the people who are most qualified.

[LiamJHayden]

Private universities should have whatever policies they want.

[Sharkstealth]

If a movie wins best picture at the Oscar's now I know it's shit. So equate that to your question.

[Anonymous]

Why are white Americans rarely called European Americans but black Americans are always called African Americans?

[HappyWoman34]

No, I don’t think they should.

[strateguy632]

..3rd