Campbell, who is considering starting a similar program at USM, knows that he will likely encounter the same criticism that he faced in Idaho and says he will probably leave the word “minority” out of all program literature.
In the midst of a vocal anti-affirmative action movement, Campbell says he is surprised that a lawsuit against these workshops did not come earlier, but adds that organizations and universities should fight to preserve them.
“These programs definitely demonstrate that this is the best way to get more minorities into journalism,” he says, adding that alumni have gone on to become reporters and editors in some of the most respected newsrooms in the nation.
Still, Pell of CIR remains adamant that the programs do a disservice to White students and should be eliminated.
“It is time to put an end to these discriminatory programs,” he says, adding that the programs should be open to Whites and the word “minority” dropped from its name.
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
