The Supreme Court's impending decision on affirmative action and race-based university admissions has sparked debate and concern. High school student and Boston Globe contributor Alex Shieh recently discussed the issue on 'Fox & Friends Weekend,' expressing his apprehension about these policies and their potential impact on Asian American applicants.
While grateful for his acceptance to Brown University, Shieh voiced his worry that the system is "stacked against" Asian Americans. He believes that affirmative action policies often discriminate against Asian American students based on the perception that they lack diversity, focusing solely on academics and lacking well-rounded personalities. Shieh argues that university administrators unfairly stereotype Asian Americans, limiting their opportunities for admission.
Shieh advocates for merit-based admissions, emphasizing that students should be evaluated based on their accomplishments and abilities, not their race. He believes that focusing on merit would create a fairer system and uphold the American ideal of equal opportunity. He linked education to the "American dream," stressing that everyone deserves an equal chance to pursue higher education, regardless of their background.
He shared his family's immigration story, highlighting how higher education attracted his grandparents to the United States, ultimately leading to his own citizenship. He believes the country must uphold the promise of equal opportunity and avoid racially biased admissions practices. Shieh firmly believes that individuals of all races deserve the chance to achieve the American dream and that college admissions should not disadvantage any particular group.
