The problem with Affirmative Action is that it does not address the problem until it is too late to make a real difference.

Forum Lurker, that's an awfully depressing view of things. As someone employed in one of the larger state universities in Texas I have to note that our campus has a very healthy mix of matriculated races, ages, and nationalities. This university has a lot of remedial programs in place to address these inequities, recognizing that not all students had equal opportunities to excel at their previous schools. Also, test scores often only reflect one's ability to take tests (and it isn't just minority students who shudder at the prospect of taking these tests). A passion for learning can overcome a lifetime of educational or social obstacles, if you give students a chance. We also recognize that teaching isn't limited to the classroom, and where I work in the library, anyone who wears an identification tag is expected to answer questions when asked, or if unable, find the right person who can answer it. This policy gives all of us the occasional opportunity to see it "click" for students. It's a sight to behold, when all of a sudden something that was a stuggle makes sense. It can be as dramatic as the lightbulb analogy.

SRS