Post by Big D on Jun 25, 2019 21:01:36 GMT -6
I love UIC, much like everyone else on this board. I follow the school constantly. I want to see it improve in all aspects...academically, athletically, in the rankings, you name it. I bleed red and blue. I visit every year. I’m one of the few suckers that actually paid for a lifetime membership in the alumni association. I have donated, but not as much as I could, mainly because I’m not particularly thrilled with big education in general, and how much money these universities take in and spend and waste, all while leaving their students in massive debt.
But recently, for the first time since I started at UIC over 20 years ago, I find myself increasingly disappointed in the direction we seem to be heading. Amiridis has done a lot of good things for this school...John Marshall, new buildings, an interest in successful athletics, etc. But I feel that UIC is also playing politics and making bad decisions and potentially alienating supporters, students, etc.
I imagine my politics don’t line up with a lot of people’s here. But I just don’t understand why UIC would take the positions it does. UIC is the type of place that should stay neutral to maximize support and donors. Yet here they are, with some of their recent announcements, which seem to come weekly now, that really turn me off. UIC is a diverse school...I’m ok with that. What I’m not ok with is UIC pandering to just about every non-white male group out there. They think they’re being inclusive and uniting, but singling groups out just keeps people divided in my opinion.
In the last month or two, I’ve seen UIC brag about the following:
1. Free tuition for Native Americans. Taxpayer money, donations, and subsidies paid by other students will be helping these people go to school for free. Merit-based everything is the only way to go.
2. Participation in the “call me mister” program, which gives free tuition and housing to blacks and latinos, which are being trained as teachers to help in CPS.
3. Perhaps the most absurd program - campus leader gender equality...by 2030 they’re aiming to have 50% women in leadership positions. This is a blatant attempt to put identity politics first and quality second, and I don’t think any alum should be happy about this. If there are 5 open positions and there are already 5 more women than men in current positions, then UIC will pass on the most qualified candidate if it’s a woman, just to get up to 50% men. And vice versa of course. This is just downright wrong. Equal opportunity, not equal outcome.
4. Flying the pride flag. I have absolutely no issue with gays at all. Equal rights for everyone. Why are we flying a flag for one group symbolizing sexual preference? It’s just divisive. We’re all Americans under one American flag (well actually not - see below). There is nothing special about any particular group of people. So stop shoving this pride crap in our faces. Will they fly a flag for any group? Again, to me UIC is hurting it’s reputation by virtue signaling and pandering...they look desperate to be accepted by everyone.
5. Today UIC announced that illegal immigrants are eligible for certain grants and aid. Transgenders as well. UIC police also will not work with ICE, which further cements us as a sanctuary school. So people that are here illegally will be getting money that could otherwise go to an actual American citizen. Absurd. With the amount of debt students are in, we should be looking to take care of ours first.
6. Even with John Marshall, they quickly came out to say that they have a duty to continue their mission of educating the underserved and low income individuals. Instead of bringing in the best students possible, we’re already lowering our standards. We’re so obsessed with the financial/racial/sexual background of our student body, that we’re missing out on churning out the very best we can. Whether the Board of Trustees/UIUC is making us do this, who knows...but we are not going to realize our true potential. And how can I support something purposely holding itself back?
I’m sure there are countless other divisive programs like this, but there are just a few examples. Overall, I’m worried that we’re prioritizing diversity over quality, which will never get this school where I want it to be. I’m growing tired of these minority/illegal immigrant perks. White males aren’t just an endless source of money that can be put into debt for years after graduation. I’m starting to become unhappy with Amiridis, which I didn’t think would be the case. But this is what happens when you can’t help yourself from playing politics and handing out perks to some at the expense of others.
Anyway, I hope this post doesn’t bother anyone here...it’s just something I’ve noticed that I wanted to put out there. I know I’m not the only one that has issues with this.
But recently, for the first time since I started at UIC over 20 years ago, I find myself increasingly disappointed in the direction we seem to be heading. Amiridis has done a lot of good things for this school...John Marshall, new buildings, an interest in successful athletics, etc. But I feel that UIC is also playing politics and making bad decisions and potentially alienating supporters, students, etc.
I imagine my politics don’t line up with a lot of people’s here. But I just don’t understand why UIC would take the positions it does. UIC is the type of place that should stay neutral to maximize support and donors. Yet here they are, with some of their recent announcements, which seem to come weekly now, that really turn me off. UIC is a diverse school...I’m ok with that. What I’m not ok with is UIC pandering to just about every non-white male group out there. They think they’re being inclusive and uniting, but singling groups out just keeps people divided in my opinion.
In the last month or two, I’ve seen UIC brag about the following:
1. Free tuition for Native Americans. Taxpayer money, donations, and subsidies paid by other students will be helping these people go to school for free. Merit-based everything is the only way to go.
2. Participation in the “call me mister” program, which gives free tuition and housing to blacks and latinos, which are being trained as teachers to help in CPS.
3. Perhaps the most absurd program - campus leader gender equality...by 2030 they’re aiming to have 50% women in leadership positions. This is a blatant attempt to put identity politics first and quality second, and I don’t think any alum should be happy about this. If there are 5 open positions and there are already 5 more women than men in current positions, then UIC will pass on the most qualified candidate if it’s a woman, just to get up to 50% men. And vice versa of course. This is just downright wrong. Equal opportunity, not equal outcome.
4. Flying the pride flag. I have absolutely no issue with gays at all. Equal rights for everyone. Why are we flying a flag for one group symbolizing sexual preference? It’s just divisive. We’re all Americans under one American flag (well actually not - see below). There is nothing special about any particular group of people. So stop shoving this pride crap in our faces. Will they fly a flag for any group? Again, to me UIC is hurting it’s reputation by virtue signaling and pandering...they look desperate to be accepted by everyone.
5. Today UIC announced that illegal immigrants are eligible for certain grants and aid. Transgenders as well. UIC police also will not work with ICE, which further cements us as a sanctuary school. So people that are here illegally will be getting money that could otherwise go to an actual American citizen. Absurd. With the amount of debt students are in, we should be looking to take care of ours first.
6. Even with John Marshall, they quickly came out to say that they have a duty to continue their mission of educating the underserved and low income individuals. Instead of bringing in the best students possible, we’re already lowering our standards. We’re so obsessed with the financial/racial/sexual background of our student body, that we’re missing out on churning out the very best we can. Whether the Board of Trustees/UIUC is making us do this, who knows...but we are not going to realize our true potential. And how can I support something purposely holding itself back?
I’m sure there are countless other divisive programs like this, but there are just a few examples. Overall, I’m worried that we’re prioritizing diversity over quality, which will never get this school where I want it to be. I’m growing tired of these minority/illegal immigrant perks. White males aren’t just an endless source of money that can be put into debt for years after graduation. I’m starting to become unhappy with Amiridis, which I didn’t think would be the case. But this is what happens when you can’t help yourself from playing politics and handing out perks to some at the expense of others.
Anyway, I hope this post doesn’t bother anyone here...it’s just something I’ve noticed that I wanted to put out there. I know I’m not the only one that has issues with this.