Amendment 46 in Colorado

[LightWaves1636]

So, I'm just posting this because I'm very concerned about it because it's going to eliminate programs like the Society of Women Engineering and Minority Engineering Program and not allow scholarships that gives a lot of my friends the opportunity to go to my school with me and I was able to attend the Colorado School of Mines because of MEP.

I got this from one of my friends:
http://www.rmicc.org/opposeAmendment46.pdf

So, I'm guessing I'm just looking for thoughts about it, cause I know other states are in the same position and some states have had it already passed in their state.

[EHaskins]

I'm not going to comment on the value of amendment 46, but anyone interested should read material other than one PDF from a group which opposes it.

http://www.coloradocri.org/
http://www.coloradocri.org/ballot_language.html
http://www.coloradocri.org/media/Col...%20board .pdf

[Molten]

I must admit, the things he is trying to eliminate do seem a bit unfair to me. I see no fairness in having as a requirement for a scholarship, must be female or must be hispanic. To me, this seems alot closer to equal opportunity then the things that it eliminates. Though, in all fairness I am a bit biased. I started college this last year and only got one scholarship because I am a white male.

NOTE: To keep this thread from becoming an argument. Feel free to post your own opinions but please do not quote or question anyone else's. The reason I posted here was just because I felt like posting my opinions, not because I felt like defending or debating my opinions.

[EricH]

One thing about laws, initiatives, and other things on ballots...you need to read the whole thing. I remember a "transportation" bill that was proposed in CA a few years ago. It included funds for an arts center in the Bay Area, among other things.

Read the whole thing, then make up your mind which way to vote. That's my personal stance.

[Travis Hoffman]

While the bill sponsor's motives might be questionable, I do agree that equal opportunity programs are applied FAR TOO LATE IN LIFE, where it is quite possible that due to some well meaning but misguided regulations, some relatively unqualified individuals are advanced ahead of those who might have shown greater qualifications. How does that improve the quality of the adult professional community? Also, I do question the fairness of a situation where equally qualified individuals are shut out of scholarships or even entry into the college of their choice due to the existence of any quotas or regulations. When any decision is made where race, gender, etc. is part of the deciding formula, I think it's generally an unfortunate situation, and improvements can and should be made.

I'd rather see the government and communities apply their resources to IMPROVING EDUCATION FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN EARLIER IN LIFE (*cough* via programs like those offered by FIRST *cough), where inequality in educational opportunity due to race, location, etc. is far more pronounced. Fix those inequalities, then when all kids reach college age, they've all been given the exact same chances to take advantage of quality educational opportunities. They may then compete for and earn the scholarships on equal ground, and may the best-qualified HUMAN BEING win, regardless of race, gender, religion, etc. Heck, change the game completely so there's no need for competition - give all willing and qualified high school graduates the assistance needed to let them pursue a college career.

Far too often, this world attempts to apply ineffective "band-aids" to major problems after the fact instead of focusing the proper measures on repairing the root cause of the problems at the source, then implementing the preventative measures needed to see that the problems never reoccur.

The trick is making sure those who were never given a fair shake at a great education while in grade school are still provided opportunities for college while society transitions the focus to improving education earlier in life. It's not an easy fix; hopefully, some of those kids currently graduating from FIRST programs will put their considerable intelligence to work in implementing a solution where everyone benefits.

[Koko Ed]

It seems to be based on good intentions.
But as they say: The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
If you are going to do this then fix the education system so it benefits those who will be effected by the proposed elimination of the scholarships. And not just throw more money into public schools and just think that alone would be the answer.