SUN (5:37-38 pm) Hello! Adding Come to Consensus policy/article, CTC[1], College Admissions Supreme Court Ruling, Race No Factor

_____Come to Consensus Corner

COME TO CONSENSUS CORNER

Issue After Issue Addressed by God's Kingdom--College Admissions Ruling, Equality, Race No Factor

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!"

Many will recognize these words by Martin Luther King, Jr. from his 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech. He did much to lead the Civil Rights Movement from the 1950's, protesting racial segregation without violence.

This was the third of five "I have a dream" statements near the conclusion of that speech.

The U.S. Supreme Court, on June 29, 2023 ruled that Colleges and Universities are not to consider race in their determinations of School Entrants. While this did frustrate some proponents of Affirmative Action, a law that required intention that persons of minority races be included in a school's entrance class, it nevertheless paves the way for good and capable students to be selected regardless of race. 

This struck a chord with fans of Martin Luther King, Jr., recalling his 1963 speech, that persons be judged, not "by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

QUESTIONS. Does the new ruling still allow for persons of minority races to qualify at good schools? On this matter, are there other considerations of racial prejudice and diversity? What about College readiness and preparedness, regardless of race? How might college and university admissions standards and considerations properly adjust to the new ruling, or improve in fairness, including toward those who may be very intelligent despite a lower GPA than some?

SUITABLE INSTITUTIONS. This ruling should be understood, when applied properly, as encouraging good relations among persons of all races. When it comes to College Admissions, some persons, regardless of color, are more prepared than others for success at a good school, and some schools are more supportive of students with certain qualifications compared with other schools. It may be important in the future for students not to box themselves in to one or two particular schools to apply for, but rather, be open to a more thorough consideration of the various educational institutions that exist, and the suitability for the instruction, learning environment and skill sets sought by the student. 

STANDARD OF RESPECT, SEEKING PEACE. Let's make it clear how much better it is going forward to think in terms of seeking to treat all people with human dignity and respect. This is an important part of what the Founding Fathers of this nation, of this United States, sought in arranging the U.S. Constitution and the Federal government associated therewith. The laws of the land exist so that certain standards are upheld, and people can know and understand how to treat and deal with one another respectfully and peaceably. Really, the exceptional peace taught by Christ in the word of God is what was largely in the hearts of the people, aiming for an environment where such peace could not only survive but rather thrive. This is the reason, for instance, why one if not many a Christian church of some sort was usually nearby in average towns and cities throughout established regions of U.S. citizens.

LEARNING RESPONSIBILITY. Once again, as regards College Admissions, it is important now not to think in terms of race, but rather, in improving one's learning skills and abilities that will aid hisr outlook into adulthood, preparing to handle the responsibilities important in life and gaining ability to locate and maintain jobs to support oneself and one's family, in harmony with good goals that may be set, blessed by God. It is important to realize that lesser jobs early on can help one gain valuable experience and insight, making possible more desired jobs, potentially with greater pay, later in life.

PREPARATORY COURSES. In view of the desire and need for most students to have some added schooling or training beyond high school in order to get along well in life, it is of interest to consider the possibility of community colleges to offer a one or two semester program in college preparation for those high school graduates who yet feel ill-prepared for college entry and success. There may yet be learning skills and abilities that need significant help if they wish to thrive in the advanced level of college studies. Much beneficial instruction could be provided in such courses, even in finding suitable employment during summer breaks that would allow for the saving of money to help pay for the advanced education, along with possible financial assistance. Of course, exceptional instructors would be needed for such training, possibly from among those already teaching other college courses. These would have experience helping students to thrive despite a variety of backgrounds and situations, and would want to help if possible.

ADMISSIONS. Of course, admissions standards and considerations at each school should be of their own making within the confines of federal and state law. They should certainly be allowed to have some freedom to honestly assess the academic achievement and competence level of a potential student, knowing the school's variance on their program offerings and related learning requirements. They may well have already established ways of determining student acceptance without using the factors highlighted in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It may be that some schools may permit a prepared brief summary of a student's background or experience interesting them in certain programs to be submitted prior to entrance exams. By emphasizing good character and academic standing and abilities, while providing a good learning environment and encouraging good learning skills within their own classes, they may well prove effective at training students to achieve good success in a world that may be blessed by God to pursue good aims along with genuine peace, righteousness and prosperity.