“I recently read an article in the Los Angeles Times stating the UC Regents are considering repealing the university ban on affirmative action as a “symbolic gesture.” Although such a repeal would send a message that the UC system wants minority students, the Regents must follow state law, and affirmative action was banned by the passage of Proposition 209. “State law prevents the UC system from considering race and gender in their admissions policies,” said UC spokesman Terry Lightfoot.
Meanwhile, the UC Regents are considering a new proposal that would admit the top four percent of each high school graduating class to the University of California system. The new policy, which has the backing of Gov. Gray Davis, would ultimately lead to the acceptance of more than 3,500 additional students. The Los Angeles Times reported that only about 700 of the newly eligible students would be black, Latino or Native American.
Before you get your hopes up too high, here’s a word of caution from Chuck McFadden, another UC spokesman. “It is important to point out that [the four percent policy] does not simply provide admission to UC for the top four percent of high school graduates. To qualify, graduates must have taken a prescribed series of courses and meet other criteria. So you can’t win admission to UC by taking basket-weaving courses, getting A’s and therefore being in the top four percent of your high school class.”
The four percent policy would also include some changes to the UC eligibility requirements, according to Max R. Espinoza, a UCLA student who served as a UC Regent in 1998.
Starting in 2001, the students whose grades and SATs are in the top four percent would be accepted to one of the eight UC campuses, although not necessarily the UC of their choice. The SAT II will have three times the weight of the SAT I.
Starting in 2002, extra points for AP or honors classes would be cut in half. For example, an A in a AP class would be worth 4.5 instead of 5 points.
Starting in 2003, all UC applicants would be required to take a class in visual or performing arts instead of an elective. UC applicants will need 15 college prep classes: four years of English, three years of math, two years of science, two years of history/social science, two years of a foreign language, one elective and one class in visual or performing arts.
McFadden said the Regents will vote on this proposal at their March 18-19 meeting. —Marketa Behn”
