answer 3 short essay questions in a timed 2 hours.

Matters of Diversity Concerning Race and Ethnicity

"The College Scholarship Conundrum"

In recent times, there has been a public debate about the place of diversity in institutions of higher education, and in particular, whether universities or other organization should make scholarships available exclusively for specific racial or ethnic groups.  While these groups continue to be underrepresented in public and private universities around the country, that has not stopped many people from arguing such scholarships are either inherently unfair, or allow unqualified students into college classes.  Some suggest that such scholarships should be discontinued and others still have proposed more radical solutions.  One such individual was Colby Bohannan, who in 2011 a group called the "Former Majority for Equality," an organization that offered a scholarship to white men only.  

To read an interview with Bohannan, click on the following link:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=134623120 

Other have argued Bohannan's efforts are based upon a misguided sense of white male victimhood.  Writer Mark Kantrowitz points out that minority students are still less likely to receive scholarships than their white counterparts, something he explores at length in his research on the subject.

http://www.finaid.org/scholarships/20110902racescholarships.pdf 

Matters of Diversity Concerning Gender and Sexuality

"Prioritizing Tran-Inclusivity"

College campuses have also had to consider matters of diversity when it comes to gender and sexuality.  Recently, LGTBQ advocate organizations have argued for the need for greater trans-inclusivity, including the need for considering trans populations in student housing.  Advocacy groups point out the Title IX law (1972) prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender for all schools that receive federal funding.  

Articles which explore the matter more in-depth can be found here:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-lgbt-education/college-dorms-a-new-front-in-u-s-battle-over-transgender-rights-idUSKCN0YW15P 

https://www.calstate.edu/gc/documents/NACUANOTES-TransgenderIssuesonCampus.pdf 

Matters of Diversity Concerning Class

"Student Loans as a Life Sentence"

As college tuition has risen dramatically over the past thirty years (refer to the chart below) students, particularly working class students, have found it more and more difficult to pay for higher education without a loan. 

 

Note that the chart is adjusted for the value of the 2016 dollar, which makes the rise in costs all the more stunning.  Given that in particular four-year state universities have seen dramatic increases, those who cannot pay out of pocket are faced with the difficult choice of acquiring crushing debt or choosing not to go to college at all, making even public institutions more inaccessible.  

The following article offers more detail on the matter:

http://blackyouthproject.com/student-loan-debt-is-becoming-a-life-sentence-in-the-us/