Air force Quote by Thomas Sowell
““The U.S. Air Force Academy likewise sought racial “diversity” through double standards. A 1982 memorandum on Air Force Academy stationery, with the notation “for your eyes only,” listed different cut-off scores to use when identifying possible candidates for the Academy from different racial ethnic groups. Composite SAT scores as low as 520 were acceptable for blacks, though Hispanics and American Indians had to do somewhat better, and Asian Americans had to meet the general standards. For athletes “lower cut-offs” were permissible.52 Given that composite SAT scores begin at 400 (out of a possible 1600) a requirement of 520 is really a requirement to earn only 120 points out of a possible 1200 points earned.””
About This Quote
Source Article: "The Air Force Academy and Racial Preferences", 1995
It highlights how the Air Force Academy used lower academic standards for certain racial groups, suggesting a double standard that undermines meritocracy.
In simple terms: Different standards were applied to racial groups, compromising fairness.
Key Takeaway
Ensure equal standards for all applicants.
Themes
education
policy
race
equality
meritocracy
Mood
analytical
controversial
historical
Type
policy analysis
social critique
When to use this quote
- college admissions
- military recruitment
- scholarship programs
- policy reform
- public debate
Key Concepts
affirmative action
institutional bias
fairness
quota systems
Questions to Reflect On
- Are lower standards justified to correct past discrimination?
- What impact do these policies have on overall performance?
A Different Perspective
The argument may ignore historical inequities that prompted such policies.
