It's a Free Country, SCOTUS and Racial Preference in College Admission - 6/29/2023

I absolutely believe the Supreme Court got it right today in making racial preferences for or against another group as a determining factor in college enrollment. This is a sword that cuts two ways, and rightfully so. In recent times, some races and minorities have been given preferential treatment, while at the same time others were discriminated against, all in the supposed interest of fairness. Some will argue that this latest decision is an abomination and unfair. I disagree.

In my opinion, fairness means equal opportunities for all. In a meritocracy, all who would attempt to get a certain job, enroll in a school, or purchase a home in a particular area ought to have a fair and equal opportunity as everyone else, regardless of their race, or the race of others with whom they might compete for that job, school, or home. If you have the best experience, skills, and training, then the job ought to be yours. If you have the best grades and entry test scores, then the school ought to admit you. If you have the money to buy a home, your color ought to be irrelevant. That's fairness in a meritocracy. It's fair to everybody.

Lately, though, what the left has been pushing is not equal opportunity, but instead something they call equity. With equity, making sure underrepresented races are moved to the front of the line, merit be damned, is the means to their desired end. I do understand that historically some races have been suppressed in employment, education, and place of residence as a result of prejudice. This was wrong, and today's ruling affirms that it is still wrong. This was not a victory FOR racial prejudice. It is a victory for fairness and equal opportunity for all races. I especially think of Asian Americans as being victimized by equity. The Asian-American subculture often places a premium on academics and learning in the family unit that translates to superior academic prowess and achievement. Why should they be penalized because some of us, perhaps many, do not place the same kind of emphasis and effort in academics in child rearing and child raising? My answer: they ought not.

To close, let me say: if there are two perfectly equal candidates for a job or for placement in a school, I do not object to preferential treatment in that case being given to the person from a group that is underrepresented. Not in the least. Perfectly equal candidates... otherwise the best qualified should get it, period.

Everybody deserves a chance. Everybody. Even Asian-Americans who read and study a lot. Don't like it? Read a book. Study a textbook. Improve yourself. Make the changes the right way. Be the change. We all can. It's a free country. Well, it used to be, anyway.