Journalism and lawsuits - 10.06.2006.2

Does this make sense? Consider that there is a program that seeks to target minority children, to promote interest in a subject or career. Given these parameters, why would a non-minority apply to such a program? And if that individual was denied admission, wouldn’t it make sense based on the structure of the program. This seems logical to me, but not to some apparently.

Parents of a high school student are suing the Virginia Commonwealth University/Times-Dispatch because of just that reason. The program is the Urban Journalism Workshop which is comprised of a dozen students of ethnic and racial minorities. A google search under the name of the workshop brings up 20 sites with descriptions that clearly state the focus of the programs. With the addition of the word Virginia, where this took place, you get Virginia Commonwealth University. As far as I can tell there is no deception. In the VCU description of the program, the first paragraph makes the intentions clear.

So again I state why did this child apply? What is the reason? Perhaps, like many kids in high school, this child simply didn’t pay attention to the program description. Perhaps the child didn’t do a search. Of course that would be odd for a kid trying to get into a summer journalism course at a college, especially in this day and age of internet savvy kids.

So I’m left with one other thought. The parents wanted to have this denial, so that they could create a lawsuit and make waves on the subject. It’s not the first time. And it pisses me off. Life is hard enough as an African American. There are too many imbalances in education as is, and too few minority children get a real chance at higher education. People attacking the system, which is defined by flaws on various levels, for personal gain and further unbalancing of the scales is just wrong.

The dropout rate for African American males is quoted as between 50-70%. Inner city schools are notorious for overcrowding, under funding, and lack of adequate supplies. This says nothing of burnt out teachers, unqualified new teachers and cultural disdain. The few minority students, African Americans in particular, that do seek out a chance for better need help.

Schools may not be racially segregated today, but to say there is no separation based on economic status is to be ignorant. And that economic disparity is highest in inner cities and among minorities. Frivolous lawsuits that benefit no one, except the individuals filing it, detract from the real issues. I would be hard pressed to feel bad for non-minority children being declined from a program for minority students.

The advantage, as a generalization, is in their favor. It was when I went to college and it was when my youngest sister (14 years my junior) graduated. And unless real reforms take place they will continue to be. So while it may not be nice for one individual child, the greater good makes it necessary. To those that would try to personally benefit from this I say, get over it. You deserve no more than what you have, and that is far more than I or my family or friends have gotten.

This is what I think, what do you think?