Editor’s Note: Opinions expressed in letters to the editor are those of the author, and publication in the Graphic in no way represent an endorsement of any opinions published. This space is provided to allow public response and commentary on articles and issues which are covered by the Graphic and important to its readership.
As the Director of The Social Action & Justice Colloquium, as a two-time Posse Mentor and as a longtime member of the faculty, I feel the need to respond to Justin Dunn’s “Letter to the Editor” in the Graphic of Sept. 12, 2013.
From 1959-1960 I served in the U.S. Army, in the military police stationed in Georgia. When we went into town my black friend and bunkmate could not drink from the same water fountain, eat in the same restaurant or go to the same toilet as I, yet we both were the same rank and wore the same uniform — that of our country. I suppose one might argue that, as Dunn states, “Race doesn’t exist.” But racism does, certainly more then than now, yet it still rears its ugly head.
The writer states that “the educational value at Pepperdine is plummeting … the value of obtaining a degree from Pepperdine will have truly been tainted.” It is my belief that the value of a Pepperdine education is profoundly enriched by the inclusion of students from diverse backgrounds. According to Dean Rick Marrs, our diverse population has a higher graduation rate than our Caucasian population.
In recent years, with our initiative to enroll a more diverse student body, my classes have been more meaningful and discussions more honest and real because the university has adopted the value of inclusion. Admissions has developed important strategic initiatives to ensure that all students who enter can meet the academic standards of Pepperdine and graduate. In recent years we have developed collaborations with three nationally recognized community based organizations — the Posse Foundation, the Fulfillment Fund and Guardian Scholars, who support foster youth. We’re choosing our Fifth Posse cohort now, and these youngsters will come from inner-city Los Angeles. Our Guardian Scholars are thriving, with a combined GPA average above a 3.0. Our Fulfillment Fund students come well prepared with one-to-one counseling, test prep and mentoring as well as four years of Destination College. This is an annual conference for students (and their parents) who will be the first in their families to attend college (hosted at least four times here at Pepperdine) that includes a college fair with over 60 highly-respected colleges and universities that value diversity. Our partner organizations identify students early, then carefully screen and support them in ways that help replicate the backgrounds of students who come from more affluent and college-educated families. Should you be interested, more than 40 of our current first-year students have already volunteered to chaperone at this year’s Destination College on Oct. 12th hosted by UCLA. To join them in making a difference and continuing to bring diversity to our campus, go to www.fulfillment.org.
The problem with merit only is that it does not take into account life experience. Our students from these programs — most of whom now have well above a 3.0 GPA — have shared their life stories and their successes here with donors, Board members, faculty and numerous student groups. Many inner-city students have not had the privilege of attending excellent primary and secondary schools, yet when given the opportunity almost every one of them will earn a degree. Diversity adds to everyone’s experience and thus, in my opinion, makes a Pepperdine degree significantly more valuable. I believe that we must speak out for social justice and equality of access in our community, our campus, our country and the world.
I hope that you are proud of Pepperdine and the degree you earn here and treasure the friendships you’ve made with people from all walks of life. Certainly not many of you will graduate without much hard work, regardless of your previous life experience.
Jeff Banks
Visiting Professor of Humanities and Teacher Education
Director, Social Action and Justice Colloquium
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As published in the Sept. 26 issue of the Pepperdine Graphic.
