The 2019 College Admissions Scandal: Why It Makes People Angry and the Private Sector Responsibility
Recent revelations surrounding the 2019 college admissions scandal have sparked widespread outrage among the American public. While many wealthy parents involved in the scandal already had significant advantages in life, the actions they took to further boost their children's admissions outcomes have irritated the general populace. This article delves into the reasons behind this public anger and discusses the ethical responsibilities of private colleges in ensuring a fair playing field for all applicants.
Why the Public is Upset
Many people are angered by the scandal because the parents involved have so much wealth and privilege. They have already amassed substantial assets in the form of nice homes, flashy cars, and existing financial stability, making it seem unnecessary for them to hand-engineer their children's college admissions. These parents often go to great lengths to provide their children with every advantage, including elite schools, tutors, and special programs. However, despite these efforts, they still seek additional advantages that go beyond what is ethically and legally permissible.
On the other hand, the average high school student typically lacks such advantages. They often have to either take on heavy student loans or forgo potential retirement savings to financially support their education. When elite parents take illegal steps on top of their existing advantages, it introduces a level of unfairness that irritates and angers the public. This is especially true when the actions result in underqualified students obtaining spots that could have been awarded to more deserving applicants.
Belief in Fairness and Hard Work
People generally believe that hard work and good academic performance should be enough to secure a favorable college admission. However, the scandal revealed a darker truth: that even these admirable qualities are not always enough. Elite parents who have already provided their children with significant advantages still felt they needed to take extra steps to guarantee their success, leading to illegal and unethical actions. This manipulation undermines the belief in a meritocratic system and fosters a sense of frustration and anger among those who did not participate in such schemes.
The Role of Private Colleges
Private colleges, as private entities, are often seen as merely 'selling a product': their reputation and prestige. However, the scandal has brought to light the responsibility these institutions have to uphold ethical standards and create a level playing field for all applicants. Ensuring fair admissions practices is not just a moral obligation but also a business necessity to maintain public trust and credibility.
It is crucial for private colleges to explicitly communicate the processes and criteria they use to evaluate applications. Transparency in admissions policies can help address public concerns and foster a sense of fairness. Additionally, private colleges should implement robust systems for monitoring and preventing any form of manipulation or cheating. This includes periodic reviews of admissions processes and better communication with applicants about the selection criteria.
Conclusion
The public anger surrounding the 2019 college admissions scandal is understandable and justified. While many wealthy parents already have substantial advantages, their desire to provide their children with even more through unethical means has caused a significant backlash. Private colleges have a critical role to play in ensuring that their admissions processes are fair and transparent. By doing so, they can help restore public faith in the education system and maintain the integrity of college admissions.