http://www.sbsun.com/Stories/0,1413,...969790,00.html

I think this is an interesting step. I'm more for it than against it, although since it doesn't really affect me as much, I don't feel terribly strongly on the matter. However, there is one quotation in this article I strongly am opposed to.

[q=Teresa Parra, SB Co. Board VP] Teresa Parra, board vice president, said she worried the new program would have an adverse effect.

"I'm afraid that now that we have this the Hispanic community, our largest population, will say, 'We want something for us.' Next we'll have the Asian community and the Jewish community (asking for their own programs). When will it end?' (1)

Parra said the district should focus on helping all students who are at risk.

"I've always thought that we should provide students support based on their needs and not on their race,' Parra said.(2)[/q]1. Why be afraid of providing support for Hispanics, Asians, and Jews? Why the hell not? Why wouldn't you want to help people from other races? Support should be given independent of race, true, but that doesn't mean support should be given being color-blind. I understand that public schools can only do so much, but that's just a we-don't-have-enough-money so-let's-raise-taxes oh-look-at-the-defense-department la la la argument.

2. Why do you differentiate people's needs from their races? People have common needs, and people from different cultures have different needs. I should probably learn about Black history in greater detail, but what about Indian history? Why can't I get that in my public school? What about Asian history? Jewish history? I should be learning about them all, in fact, so that I am more well-balanced in dealing with those ever-so-touchy interracial borders.

*"you" is referring to the speaker, Teresa Parra, not you, oh fellow members.