John Erwin wrote: The faculty, administration and staff are trying to enhance a world class institution in Minnesota in a competitive world. 70% of the people who are attracted to this institution from out of the state stay in Minnesota! The U of M provides jobs, much funding from outside of the state, and educates many of our best students. Improving the U of M and using its resources in the best ways are in the best interest of Minnesotans of all races and economic classes. CM Johnson-Lees comments suggesting the decision to drop General College is racist or elitist are naive at best.
Peter Vevang writes:
Many respectable people disagree with your view, it isn't fair to belittle them or call them naive. It makes me angry that you would say that. Last I checked, the U of M had a mission as a land grant institution, the U of M is tasked with educating the broad spectrum of the people of Minnesota. It is not tasked as being the Ivy League of the Midwest. It is supposed to be excellent, but not elitist. If average Minnesotans, especially first generation college students, cannot attend the U of M, its value as a public land grant institution is significantly diminished. People of color fall disproportionately into that category. There is a legitimate argument to be made opposing the elimination of the General College. We invented it for a reason, it isn't an anachronism.
The idea the the U of M only exists to prop up our economy misses the mark by a mile. For me, this all comes down to the American Dream. Everyone needs a shot at it, if they work hard, participate, and do whats right, they should have a chance at a better life. Thats what America is all about, freedom, hard work and opportunity. If you work hard all of your life, and can't get get your kid into a decent college, what the hell is the point of living in this country! Closing the General College slams that door shut for a whole group of people. Thats wrong. The U of M is a public resource, it belongs to all of us, not just "the best", as you call them. The idea that if a person doesn't pay as much in taxes, or have had a hard life, their kid doesn't deserve to succeed, makes me mad as hell. I won't stand for that. Its wrong and the people trying to cut this should be ashamed of themselves.
No one is asking for a free ride, all they want is a chance to succeed. Closing the General College is just one more roadblock for kids to succeed. The General College gives people a shot at being great and an opportunity to advance themselves. I don't know for sure if closing the college is racist, but it is certainly elitist, it excludes people and the idea that only "the best students" can attend there is being fostered. That is pure elitism, that is self evident, the proof is in your own words.
I am sick and tired of 'meritocracy' trash invented by those new right wingers, that 'kiss up and kick down' attitude, that certain people don't deserve a shot at being their best and at reaching for their dreams. I am a taxpayer, I am a Minnesotan, and a U of M alumnus, the U of M belongs to me too, and I say the General College stays open because it is the right thing to do.
Fix the General College, don't eliminate it.
Peter Vevang Audubon
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