Connerly v. McWhorter

Did anyone see Ward Connerly and John McWhorter on FOX News Channel this afternoon? They were discussing the increased number of white students attending historically black colleges and universities, and the trend's implications for HBCUs' mission and culture.

We ain't Connerly fans, and he reminded us why. The libertarian argued that (1) there should not be any predominantly black universities but (2) since they exist, they should not get tax dollars. We disagree on both counts. Schools shouldn't discriminate, yet there is theoretically nothing illegal about a predominantly black college. Ahem, choice and freedom of association? He completely ignored that many HBCUs are private schools. Also, that virtually every public college takes federal funds (Pell grants, loans). Either one must oppose federal funds for all schools, or support them for all schools. Yet Mr. Connerly singled out HBCUs.

John McWhorter, whose sister is an HBCU graduate, took issue with Mr. Connerly. However, the moderate did discuss valid implications. Professor McWhorter argued that if some black students aren't used to associating with non-blacks, then it may hamper their employment chances. He also didn't like how some HBCUs recruit white students from as far away as Russia in order to meet court desegregation mandates, which he regards as silly.

In the end, Mr. Connerly said that he and Professor McWhorter (who both oppose affirmative action, albeit for different reasons) are focused on the same goal. However, "I want us to run, while John wants us to jog."