Political science Professor Tim Groseclose resigned from the Committee on Undergraduate Admissions and Relations with Schools on Thursday. In questioning the admissions process, he said he was confronted with a cover-up of the illegal acceptance of students based on race.
The university has denied any illegal actions but is in the process of investigating the professor’s accusations. Although nothing has been substantiated, we commend Groseclose’s tenacity in upholding his beliefs and taking such strong steps to ensure an investigation into a very serious issue.
Although the issue of affirmative action has been one of contention for many years, it is refreshing to see one of UCLA’s own take a stand to question university policy and practices even when he could come under fire for it.
We hope that the admissions committee is not engaging in illegal actions, even if such actions diversify the student body. But this issue does not only concern diversity at UCLA, but also the need for dissension and discussion. It is only with open dialogue from all members of the campus, including the administration, faculty and students, that the university will continue to grow and diversify.