2008 Woodie Awards
Letters to the editor
Issue date: 2/8/08 Section: Opinion
Qualifications first
DePauw often focuses on diversity: diversity of race and diversity of national origin dominate the conversation. But one thing missing from the discussion is diversity of ideas. Both the campus media and the administration often speak of diversification, but no one questions the methods of the process. The focus is solely on the outcome.
Other aspects of diversification need to be addressed. For example, I have yet to hear anyone speak on the subject of equality.
Diversification has considerable impact on equality. In recent years, President Bottoms has set a goal of making 10 to 12 percent of the student body international students. But in order for that to happen, other percentages must be decreased. The most affected people are white, female applicants from Indiana. Their numbers must be decreased in order for diversity to occur at these quota-like levels. Consequently, the standards of admission they must meet are higher than any other group on campus. Is this fair?
Let me be clear: I think diversity is a good idea. I am not recommending a blind selection process where admission is based solely on an applicant's academic qualifications. However, I do not think it is appropriate to discriminate to a significant degree against someone based upon their color or place of origin. Is it appropriate for the editorial staff to be "disappointed" with two white, male presidential candidates without examining their credentials or prior efforts toward diversification? The hopes of diversification must be balanced against the nature of equality. Subjecting applicants or candidates to criticism because they are not of the proper race which DePauw seeks to promote discredits the standards of our university.
I realize that the conversations on affirmative action and equality require much thought and are very complex. It cannot be adequately addressed in a letter to the editor. I'm sure people have strong views on the subject. I am only asking that all sides be debated regarding a topic which shapes the values and standards of our university.
Kevin McEvoy, '07
Recruitment wrap-up
Women's recruitment 2008 was one of the most successful in recent years due to an unparalleled level of preparation, a more rigorous program of pre-recruitment education, and a very devoted Panhellenic executive council. Of the 271 women that registered for Recruitment, 230 (86 percent) were matched with chapters on Bid Day-up 6 percent from 2007. We are very pleased to announce that not a single woman was cross-cut from recruitment this year! This means that most women maximized their options, and by so doing were more likely to receive bid cards from their chapter of first preference. Thus, the DePauw University Panhellenic Council would like to thank our advisor, Greek Life Coordinator Autumn Hansen, each of the wonderful 36 Rho Gammas, and all of the first-Year women involved in recruitment this year. Furthermore, we would not only like to congratulate the recruitment chairs for an extremely well-executed week of Recruitment-related events, but we would also like to congratulate the six Panhellenic chapters as a whole on their newest class of new members!
Courtney Schmidt and Emily Wurth, seniors
DePauw often focuses on diversity: diversity of race and diversity of national origin dominate the conversation. But one thing missing from the discussion is diversity of ideas. Both the campus media and the administration often speak of diversification, but no one questions the methods of the process. The focus is solely on the outcome.
Other aspects of diversification need to be addressed. For example, I have yet to hear anyone speak on the subject of equality.
Diversification has considerable impact on equality. In recent years, President Bottoms has set a goal of making 10 to 12 percent of the student body international students. But in order for that to happen, other percentages must be decreased. The most affected people are white, female applicants from Indiana. Their numbers must be decreased in order for diversity to occur at these quota-like levels. Consequently, the standards of admission they must meet are higher than any other group on campus. Is this fair?
Let me be clear: I think diversity is a good idea. I am not recommending a blind selection process where admission is based solely on an applicant's academic qualifications. However, I do not think it is appropriate to discriminate to a significant degree against someone based upon their color or place of origin. Is it appropriate for the editorial staff to be "disappointed" with two white, male presidential candidates without examining their credentials or prior efforts toward diversification? The hopes of diversification must be balanced against the nature of equality. Subjecting applicants or candidates to criticism because they are not of the proper race which DePauw seeks to promote discredits the standards of our university.
I realize that the conversations on affirmative action and equality require much thought and are very complex. It cannot be adequately addressed in a letter to the editor. I'm sure people have strong views on the subject. I am only asking that all sides be debated regarding a topic which shapes the values and standards of our university.
Kevin McEvoy, '07
Recruitment wrap-up
Women's recruitment 2008 was one of the most successful in recent years due to an unparalleled level of preparation, a more rigorous program of pre-recruitment education, and a very devoted Panhellenic executive council. Of the 271 women that registered for Recruitment, 230 (86 percent) were matched with chapters on Bid Day-up 6 percent from 2007. We are very pleased to announce that not a single woman was cross-cut from recruitment this year! This means that most women maximized their options, and by so doing were more likely to receive bid cards from their chapter of first preference. Thus, the DePauw University Panhellenic Council would like to thank our advisor, Greek Life Coordinator Autumn Hansen, each of the wonderful 36 Rho Gammas, and all of the first-Year women involved in recruitment this year. Furthermore, we would not only like to congratulate the recruitment chairs for an extremely well-executed week of Recruitment-related events, but we would also like to congratulate the six Panhellenic chapters as a whole on their newest class of new members!
Courtney Schmidt and Emily Wurth, seniors
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