Scalia all wrong on African-American students’ academic abilities

Much of the initial outrage over statements made by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia last month during oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin has abated, but deep disappointment remains. To suggest that Black college students might fare better by attending “less-advanced” or “slower-track” colleges and universities than more elite schools like the University of Texas makes it abundantly clear that he has no regard for the capabilities of African American students.

Justice Scalia’s comments are as wrong as they are discriminatory. Additionally, his assumptions in no way match what we at 100 Black Men of America Inc. (The 100) know about the capabilities of African American youth based on our experiences with the thousands we serve. As The 100 enters its 53rd year of service to youth and communities, we have five decades of testimonies that soundly prove that all students have the ability to learn at high levels when given the proper opportunity, access and support to do so.

Particularly mystifying to me is how a Supreme Court justice – a position that sets the tone and is responsible for ensuring a system of equity across this great nation – could be so blinded by and embracing of such negative stereotypes relative to the academic abilities of Black students. The implication that they are incapable of operating at high levels is more than concerning. It’s absolute nonsense!

It is well-documented that, irrespective of race, students who attend high-performing schools and are taught by high-performing instructors do well. Too often, however, those two critical variables are not available to students equally in cities across our nation.

The 100 believes the right to learn often equals the right to earn. As such, The 100 has taken a public stand in favor of national education reform. Critical to education reform is that all students have access to high-performing schools where they receive a quality education and increased enrichment opportunities, whether traditional public schools or nonprofit public charters. Since the overwhelming majority of our children are educated in public schools, we maintain our long-held belief that public schools must become equitably funded and high performing. We also support high-performing, evidence-based, nonprofit, public charter schools as an acceptable alternative for parents seeking educational options to traditional public schools.

We strive daily to change the life outcomes and trajectory of underserved and disenfranchised African- American youth. We know that the quality of education they receive will aid in their successful transition to a rewarding career and becoming contributing members of society. If Justice Scalia and like-minded individuals were more fixated on ensuring that every child has access to a high-quality education, the need for programs like those at the University of Texas would lessen, and African- American students would be in a much better place.

– Brian L. Pauling
President
100 Black Men of America Inc.

This article originally published in the January 18, 2016 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.