A students group at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is demanding free tuition for all accepted black applicants due to allegations of systemic racism.
UW-Madison made national headlines in December 2016 when it started offering its “Problem of Whiteness” class. The Associated Students of Madison used a similar rationale Wednesday to blast “white supremacy” and demand free housing and tuition to offset racial obstacles to higher education.
“The university’s rhetoric suggests that it is committed to diversity and inclusion, so this legislation compels the university to move towards action — which is imperative,” ASM Student Council Rep. Tyriek Mack wrote, The Associated Press reported Thursday. “If no one challenges the university’s empty promises, then the racial composition will remain stagnant.”
ASM also claims that using ACT and SAT scores when considering applicants also hinders black enrollment at the school.
University spokeswoman Meredith McGlone spoke to AP about complaints that black students only make up 2 percent of the school’s enrollment, noting the increase of “students of color” from 11 percent to 15 percent over the past 10 years.
A Chinese graduate student who was informed about ASM’s resolution appeared baffled by the request.
“I wouldn’t appreciate if the school offered me free tuition just because I’m a minority,” said Yuhong Zhu, Fox News reported Friday. “We should at least have to work hard for it.”
Chancellor Rebecca Blank has said that UW-Madison would consider giving first-generation transfers from two-year schools free tuition for a year, subject to available funding, AP reported.
Ms. McGlone told AP that a recent $10 million donation would be funneled into the school’s Chancellor’s Scholarship Program, which assists minority students.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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