Letter: We can’t wait until college to work on diversity

Many look at diversity as the commune of many backgrounds that come to discuss issues using their unique points of view. It is important that people discuss amongst those who are unlike them so that they can develop informed opinions.

It so happens though that background has a strong correlation with race. To create diversity, affirmative action has artificially risen minority population levels among college campuses, by artificially lowering scores and providing financial aid. It’s logical and moral implications are many, but the outcome is clear. A study published by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center found that only 45.8 percent of Hispanics and 38 percent of blacks completed their six-year certificate and degree. In comparison, Asian and white completion rates were 63.2 percent and 62 percent.

People are less likely to succeed if they are not prepared. Artificially creating diversity by lowering standards will only cause students to be completely unprepared for college life. You may increase diversity in the college campus through this, but not diversity in the work place. If we want true diversity of background and an effective college campus, we must solve the problem at its core. We must prepare students for the road ahead, at home and at school.

This story was originally published November 20, 2017 at 2:06 PM with the headline "Letter: We can’t wait until college to work on diversity."