Rutgers prof in hot water over racist statements

This is a guy who thinks scholarship money should go to needy young scholars -- rather than high-profile "student-athletes." You're misreading the story.

 

I'm sure that Princeton is ruing the day that you slipped through its elitist fingers.

 

I guess I am, because from what I read, he seems to think that scholars are the only ones who deserve to be in college. There's a tone that says anyone who's in college for reasons other than ones that mesh with his lofty ideals doesn't belong there. And that's just wrong.

 

Who should attend college other than scholars?

Isn't that sort of the definition?

 

In case you weren't aware, we also live in a country where you can be critical of the government without fear of being sent to jail or deported -- but we're working on it.

 

OK, I'll bite. How do you define scholars?

 

2. One who attends school or studies with a teacher; a student.

 

A "scholar" is someone that is going to a school in order to learn. Many of these student-athletes have no real interest in being students and are only there to be athletes.

The professor is right. If they aren't in school because it is a school then don't give them a scholarship and don't let them in.

 

OK. I don't think that's how Dowling defines it, however.

I mean, do you really think he believes the masses should be attending college? Do you think he believes that the less-intelligent, middle-of-the-road kid who decides to go to college and spends his share of time of time partying deserves to be there?

The way I read the story, I don't get the feeling Dowling defines those kids as scholars. I think he has a definition that includes only those who are there to pontificate and talk and only the kids who score the highest on their tests and are among the top 5 or 10 students in their graduating class.

There are a lot of middle-of-the-road kids who can benefit from college and who do. And they're certainly not among those "most promising" top students.

 

I don't think his quote is racist.

How is that racist?

 

He makes a blanket, black-and-white statement, however, and there are plenty of athletes who are there to do more and be more than just athletes.

I still say his comments betray an overall attitude toward the rest of the world that is offensive.

 

Dowling has not said which students shouldn't go to the school. Dowling said athletes should not go for free. Dowling is discussing scholarships not admission.

For a "good listener" you aren't a very good reader.