A call for resignation

In Feb. 5, 2003 the IDS ran a cartoon attacking the University of Michigan's affirmative action policy. Selected by assistant opinion editor John Paul Benitez, the cartoon depicts a white student holding a sign stating, "Perfect SAT score, 12 Points." Next to him a black student holds a sign stating, "Being a minority, 20 Points." A third sign reads, "Feeling entitled to special benefits: Pointless." \nWhile the cartoon's purpose was to attack the use of race in admissions decisions, the drawing also insinuated intellectual inferiority among African Americans. The suggestively larger black student wears an expression that seems to say, "Since I'm black, I don't need to worry about admission into college." \nBenitez's choice to include the aforementioned cartoon extends upon his previous statement, "I didn't have to worry about performing on the same level as some of my peers who would be unable to enjoy the 'ethnic scholarship/acceptance policy' fallback." Since the cartoon's publication, a coalition of black students have heard statements from IDS representatives defending Benitez's action as protected free speech. \nWe disagree. Educational institutions expect supported evidence with voiced opinions. Hence, a debate can ensue on the legality of affirmative action or the mental capacity of different human beings if it is supported by rational and clear evidence. \nThe cartoon did neither. It attacked affirmative action and blacks' intellectual capability by drawing on outdated, pseudoscientific racist doctrines and stereotypes that have been consciously and unconsciously endorsed for centuries. In effect, this issue of affirmative action impacts multiple ethnicities as well as women. The use of a black caricature plays upon the emotions and fears of the white Americans' psyche, which Benitez uses to support the "accuracy" of this cartoon. \nDoes Benitez's assertion accurately express a sentiment "shared by others in America and on campus?" Maybe. Is the cartoon an accurate reflection of the facts? According to the University of Michigan's admission policy, no. \nOf 150 points, academic factors are worth 110. The "controversy" enters with the non-academic factors. Applicants receive up to 20 points for any one or a combination of the following: membership in an underrepresented minority group; attendance at a predominately minority high school (regardless of race); socioeconomic disadvantage (which can go to anybody); athletic participation or at the Provost's discretion (non-specified). \nAn additional 20 points can be distributed in the following ways: 10 points for Michigan residency; 6 points for underrepresented Michigan counties; 2 points for residency in underrepresented states; 1 or 4 points for alumni relationships; up to 3 points for the personal essay; 5 points for leadership, service, work experience or awards and 5 points for personal achievement. It is important to note that this selection index does not solely determine admission into the institution. It is a worksheet for admissions counselors who can submit applications to a committee for further review. \nThe cartoon's racist implications were pointed out along with its inaccuracy, and Benitez responded expressing no embarrassment or remorse. After meeting with representatives of the IDS it is apparent that they see no need to take disciplinary action against Benitez, who is in clear violation of Article 4 of the paper's ethical codes: \n"Examine underlying cultural values and biases that may be in stories, photos, or other content and eliminate them … Such stereotypes are apparent in racial jokes; the prejudices that make racial slurs acceptable in some groups and the biases that make other cultures' heritages seem 'abnormal.'" \nBased on this information and his inability to discern unethical material, we call upon John Paul Benitez to resign from his position with the IDS immediately. If he refuses, then he should be removed. His action is not protected free speech and has no place on a college campus.