I May Be Dumb But I'm Not A Racist

Transportation Secretary Pete

A front-page article in today's Wall Street Journal details how a high school in Culver City, California has opted to end its honors English classes because they didn't enroll enough black or Hispanic students.  So to keep the playing field "equitable," there will simply be no options for kids who are ready for tougher work. Similar situations have arisen in Wisconsin, Rhode Island and elsewhere. 

Officials say the move will "ensure students of all races receive an equal, rigorous education." Just not too rigorous for any dummies. Naturally the parents of the white and Asian students who usually fill those advanced class rosters are pissed. 

Basically this kind of attitude means that people of higher intelligence must dumb down to avoid causing hurt feelings among the less capable members of our society, whatever their skin color. This is akin to ending sporting events that require legs because amputees can't participate. Or outlawing gourmet restaurants because the many lousy cooks out there would suffer knowing that some people eat delicious meals all the time. 

Scott Peters, a scientist who studies equity in gifted and talented programs at NWEA, an educational research nonprofit, said, "I just don't see how removing something from some kids helps other kids learn faster."

It doesn't, Scott. It's just plain dumb. But that's America's goal these days: getting dumber. And based on the current Secretary of Transportation, it's obviously working.