Summary
In the coming weeks, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling on the use of race in college admissions. The case is focusing attention on other practices used in admissions that may need to change, including the children of alumni who often have preference and are often white and affluent. Geoff Bennett discussed legacy applicants with Evan Mandery for our series, Rethinking College. For a transcript of this story, click here . News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching! You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.Five Facts
- Who is interviewed for this story, and what is his background?
- What are "legacy admissions"?
- Why are colleges rethinking legacy admissions, according to this story?
- When did colleges start giving preference to legacy students, and why?
- How are some colleges defending legacy admissions?
Focus Questions
Do you think it is true as the guest of this piece states that legacy admissions are rewarding an "accident of birth"? How do you think college admissions should be determined? News analysis : Evan Mandery, the guest invited on for this segment, states a clear opinion on legacy admissions. How does the host, Geoff Bennett, challenge his opinions? Why do you think Bennett chose the questions he asked to Mandery? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?For More
What students can do : As a class, look into the admissions policies of universities near you, such as your state university system. Are legacy admissions a part of the admission process? What other considerations are made in accepting or rejecting students? Discuss — do you think the system is fair? If not, what would a fair system look like?STUDENT VIDEO OF THE DAY (August 11, 2020)
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