Regarding the article on minority science programs [K.Y. Kreeger, The Scientist, March 6, 1995, page 1]: These adjunct science programs are a needed addition to teaching science, but it is unfortunate that they have been truncated to assuage the guilty consciences of the ethnic bean-counters. Why aren't we opening these programs to all science students, making them available to anyone who needs the additional preparation, help, and encouragement?
I teach introductory biology courses at a local state university and a nearby community college, both of which offer a few, limited programs that literally ask me to point out students who are black or have Hispanic-sounding last names. Meanwhile, the same politically correct mavens who promulgate these programs are constantly railing against stereotyping!
I hope we can get beyond worrying about the color, gender, or ethnicity of our students and start treating them as individuals. I hope these "minority science programs"...
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