A republican group at Boston University decided to stir the Affirmative Action Pot and has begun offering a White Only Scholarship with the sole intention of sparking a debate.

From the Boston Globe:

Boston University’s Republican students group has started a scholarship for white students, to spark debate about race-based programs.

“We are trying to convey the absurdity of any race-based scholarship,” said Joseph Mroszczyk, a senior from Danvers who is president of the university’s College Republicans. “I don’t think race should be part of any scholarship. It should be based on merit or economic need.”

The $250 scholarship, which will be funded by the chapter and will do little to meet the university’s base tuition of $33,330, has ignited a debate on campus about whether it is the right way to address views on race-based scholarships and affirmative action.

I am glad someone took this on in a direct and overt way. The racial playing field is much more leveled today that it was 15 or 20 years ago and it is about time program, like scholorships, which are affirmative action based, are leveled as well.

By using a very small dollar amount, and specifically mentioning the goal of the scholarship is to spark a debate I believe the group may have taken some of the emotion out of the discussion. There is no menevolence in this - its all about reasoned discussion. I hope the opposition replies in kind.

Naturally, the University is taking steps to distance itself somewhat from any potential blow ups.

Kenneth Elmore, BU’s dean of students, said in a statement that the scholarship goes against the university’s goal of increasing diversity on campus. He agreed the issue of race-based programs is worthy of debate, but questioned the group’s approach.

“It appears to me that they’re trying to push a debate as it relates to affirmative action and American society,” Elmore said. “I want students to know that I encourage debate and will help students foster creative debate around the university. I hope the College Republicans and other students will try to do the same.”

Unfortunately, the local Republican Party is trying to distance themselves even more. Why is having a backbone and politics so dynamically opposed?

Brian Dodge, executive director of the Massachusetts Republican Party, said the state party did not endorse the scholarship. “Their actions are misguided and offensive,” he said.

A national party spokesman called the scholarship “highly inappropriate.”

Wimps.

So far all I have found is commentary from the student base which is mixed. I would be verry interested to see what national organizations who are pro-affirmative action (NAACP, ACLU, etc) have to say.

Also Reporting:
Stop The ACLU