DEI ban hurts scholarships
Re: “DEI ban freezes aid in Texas — 131 scholarships paused, modified as colleges comply with state law,” Monday news story.
People who don’t work in education often don’t realize the boost a scholarship gives to a deserving student already working two jobs and struggling to get by. It can make or break staying in college or dropping out.
Don’t we need an educated workforce?
In addition, most scholarships are funded by donors who want to honor the memory of a lost loved one and feel deeply that helping a deserving student in the same field their loved one was pursuing is extremely meaningful and important.
It is wrong to discount these gifts. I can’t help but feel that SB 17 was passed with insufficient research and knowledge . Having worked with college students and donors for 30 years, it is upsetting that this ban is in place.
Nancy Mills, Dallas
A blow to women in STEM
It is chilling to read the letter that state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, sent to every public college in Texas regarding the cessation of any and all diversity, equity and inclusion support as written in SB 17. This includes defunding scholarships created specifically for one gender.
No longer are we trying to create more women scientists by offering a handful of women-only scholarships. Now apparently in the world of Republican conservatives, women have completely caught up and have the same presence in STEM fields as men. Everything must be equal.
As stated in the letter, “The Texas State Legislature, along with the people of Texas, anticipate that each institution will undertake sincere efforts to align with the bill’s provisions, ensuring a merit-based environment…” Merit-based environment?
Should college athletes be sent home, if their SAT scores do not merit admission? We don’t admit people to universities just because they can run fast, or do we? Some legacy students need to go as well, if they didn’t make the cut score.
This is pure politics and a waste of time. Any one who thinks that in the world we live in people get ahead solely through merit probably doesn’t understand their own privilege.
Debbie Dominguez, Kaufman
Are inequity and exclusion OK?
Is it possible to rabidly oppose diversity, equity and inclusion without at least ignoring, or at worst proposing, conformity, inequity and exclusion? The culture warriors railing against “woke” must prefer to close their eyes and go to sleep. If only they would and leave the rest of us alone to work this out together.
Terry Anderson, Garland
Supreme Court does its job
Despite what President Joe Biden says, our Supreme Court is getting its rulings right! Based on our Constitution, only Congress has the authority to make laws and not the judiciary. Our courts were never intended to create new laws, even those that affect social issues, and, yes, I mean Roe vs. Wade.
As our Constitution states (to paraphrase), any powers not specifically granted to the federal government in the Constitution are reserved solely to the states.
The Supreme Court was created by our founders to interpret laws enacted by Congress as they might relate to the Constitution. It’s time that our court system is finally doing what our Constitution states.
I do wish that a few of their rulings were different, like the bump stock ruling, but I defer to their judgment as it pertains to the laws of our country. So should everyone else.
Larry Mendolia, Dallas/Lake Highlands
Many remain enslaved
Re: “Bask in freedom with Opal Lee — Walk kicks off Wednesday morning at African American Museum of Dallas,” Monday Metro story.
I read with interest this story on Opal Lee. Slavery is the antithesis of freedom, and celebrating the end of slavery is a celebration of freedom. Sadly, slavery and oppression have been with us for thousands of years and continue to this day. So as we celebrate freedom on Juneteenth, I also remember that many remain enslaved and oppressed.
Bob Moore, Far North Dallas
A ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ moment
Re: “Rule No. 1: Fathers, love your sons — Every boy needs a dad’s love, but mine had none to give,” by Christopher de Vinck, Saturday Opinion.
De Vinck’s column is singularly one of the most well-written, touching and poignant reminiscences of a father-son relationship I’ve ever read. It was a “Cat’s in the Cradle” moment for me, and I’m sure for other dads about to celebrate Father’s Day.
Stephen Hoffner, Far North Dallas
Be a mentor for all sons
I felt like you wrote my story to some extent. My father never played catch, never came to games or school plays. He did not go to church with the family. He never came on campouts in Boy Scouts. He ignored or used indifference as punishment and was volatile and abusive to some extent.
I did not realize this was not normal until I had kids. I learned resentment as I discovered what should have happened.
Finally I forgave after I realized he did not have mentors. He did not have examples. He was trying to do this on his own. He did not have God in his life. He left this world on his schedule. I pray for him each day. I pray for that peace that passes all understanding that is available for all us. He was doing what he thought was right.
Be a mentor for sons, and not just yours.
Frank M. Wagnon, Southlake
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