Reply #20: Interesting question.

[H2O Man]

I'll start by saying that I recognize that I am not qualified to address issues regarding college admissions policies. It's not an area that I have enough background information on to do much more than expose my ignorance. However, I will give a few of my impressions.

First, for college admissions, I would think that "race" or ethnic identity is one of many factors that should be considered. I notice there is a tendency for many discussions on this topic to look at it in "black and white" terms. However, I am confident that we can all agree that there are more than black and white folk in the United States. I think that any objective examination of national statistics would indicate that, for example, Native Americans do not enjoy the advantages that other groups in the US do. Hence, to level the playing field, I think that colleges should be considering ethnicity ("race") as one factor in determining admissions.

Other issues that are important, in my opinion, include economic factors. I think that most people recognize that public education from K to 12 is a good thing. Our society benefits from having young people going to school, and getting an education, including a high school diploma.

Certainly, there are always going to be rich folks who send their children to private schools. That's fine. There are also a group of private schools that are based upon religion. Again, that's fine with me. But my focus is public school.

I think if it benefits society to have K through 12 being open and largely "free," that it makes sense to offer continuing education in much the same manner. That can and should include education other than college: trade schools, etc, can be part of an expanded public education system that enriches our society.

As always, there will be private colleges and universities for rich folk, including some that are religiously oriented. Good. Education is essential.

But public education is equally important. And by making it more inclusive, rather than exclusive, our society would benefit. We should not be pitting a red child against a black child against a white child against a brown child against a yellow child for a spot in a classroom. We should be seating them together in that classroom.

That is leveling the playing field, to the benefit of all ..... unless one considers the possibility that someone who isn't from the public schools is capitalizing on pitting some families against others, and denying some folks a full education.