University
of California may consider 'hardships' in admissions University
of California may consider 'hardships' in admissions
By Rebecca Trounson
November 15, 2001
Los Angeles Times
SAN FRANCISCO--In a move critics say is a backdoor method of reviving race-based preferences in admissions, a University of California regents panel yesterday endorsed a policy that would take into account any hardships a student had to overcome. The 13-2 vote strongly suggests the proposal, which also would allow consideration of such factors as students' athletic or artistic abilities, will be approved tomorrow by the full Board of Regents. California voters banned race-based preferences in admissions in 1996. Critics say the policy could result in litigation against the university and a lowering of academic standards.
"There is concern because when subjective factors are involved, the temptation is too great to use proxies for race within the process," said Kevin Nguyen, American Civil Rights Institute's executive director. Supporters argue that grades and test scores alone cannot capture all the qualities that make a good student and ultimately lead to success. "I have always felt that there has to be a better way (to admit students) than just looking at the numbers," said Regent Sherry Lansing, the head of Paramount Pictures and a strong supporter of the change.
The panelists' endorsement came shortly after they agreed to amend the proposal by specifying that it would not be used to allow the issue of race back into the admissions process. That allowed two regents, including Ward Connerly, an outspoken opponent of affirmative action, to support the change. Under current UC rules, nonacademic factors, ranging from unusual athletic or artistic talents to overcoming adversity, can be taken into account in admitting no more than half the freshman class at each of the university's eight undergraduate campuses.
The remainder must be chosen on the basis of grades, test scores and course work. The new policy would extend the broader evaluation to all applicants and would be instituted for the class applying for enrollment next fall. UC President Richard Atkinson, who fought hard for the change, argued that it would send an important message to California students that they can gain admittance to the university if they work hard, challenge themselves with tough courses and make the most of high-school opportunities. "That's the important thing here: the message, not the procedure," Atkinson said. After race-blind admissions went into effect, enrollment of African Americans and Hispanics tumbled.
The figures have rebounded since then, but there has been a reshuffling, with more blacks and Hispanics going to lesser-known campuses such as Riverside and fewer going to Berkeley and UCLA. "Colleges throughout the country are trying very hard to strike a balance between quality and the broadest possible access to students," said David Ward, president of the American Council on Education, the nation's largest advocacy group for elite colleges and universities. "This is a creative effort to do that." Information from The Associated Press is included in this report.
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