To the Editor:
Re: “No Asians Need Apply,” Opinion, Nov. 14
In Monday’s column “No Asians Need Apply,” one of the truest social injustices on campus was highlighted with startling statistics. Cornell, as a whole, seems entirely obsessed with the idea of a multiculturalism and diversity on campus. There is seemingly no end to the initiatives, new offices and student groups self-righteously crusading in the name of diversity and social justice. However, well-intentioned these groups may exhort to be, they would be wise to step back and take a look at the positions they are advocating.
Racism is defined as: “a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement … a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.”
How can one possibly, even remotely, justify a policy of racial preference in admissions processes? How is it “just” or “fair” that a black student may receive a 310 point booster on the SAT, whereas an Asian student must score 140 points above average, solely because of the color of his skin? A wise man once said, “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.” If one wishes to find true discrimination on campus, look no further than the Admissions Office and the Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (yes, there is an entire office on campus devoted solely to “diversity initiatives”). Masquerading under the guise of “multiculturalism” and “social justice” these groups openly practice racism, under the above definition, and are widely lauded. Make no mistake; racism is racism. Just because the racism on campus is being practiced in such a way that groups which historically were disenfranchised now benefit in no way justifies it or makes it morally right.
Jon Miller ’15