College Republicans discriminate with cupcakes

Well the Republican leadership has been successful in this case in convincing young Republicans that Affirmative Action equals reverse-discrimination. In typical Republican fashion young Republican, Kyle Rausch, wants us to believe that his cupcake sale is not discriminatory when his example obviously is and he acts just like a Republican and denies his wrong doing in the process.

The moment that Affirmative Action became law conservatives have been complaining that its an act of reverse-discrimination. Providing opportunities to people who had none is solely intended to bring about inclusiveness in society. Crying out reverse-discrimination is a manipulative gesture to return society to one of exclusiveness. In every case of contested affirmative action college admissions the white student who cried reverse-discrimination was eventually admitted most usually in the next semester or academic year. Everyone who applied for admittance got admitted, black and white because of Affirmative Action. Our society can not afford to return to a pre-affirmative action era, a segregated era.

My Detroit Free Press Op/Ed on affirmative action

From the Detroit Free Press 3/25

ALLENDALE, Mich. (AP) -- At the College Republicans' affirmative action bake sale this week at Grand Valley State University, the same cupcake that a white male could buy for $2 was available for 75 cents to a white female or a black person, 50 cents to an Asian or a Hispanic, and only a nickel to an American Indian.

Organizer Kyle Rausch said his club wanted to challenge affirmative action policies that give preference to women and minorities. Members expected the bake sale's pricing policy to generate some controversy but they didn't mean to upset any passers-by, he said

"If people walked by and were offended, that was not our intention," Rausch told The Grand Rapids Press for a Friday story.

Rausch's group sold only one cupcake and now could face disciplinary action for the stunt.

Four students filed complaints with the university's Student Life Office, initiating a misconduct review. Several people denounced the sale during a Student Senate meeting Thursday.

The university's student code states, in part, that "Every aspect of University life should be free from discrimination ..."

If a nine-member review board of staff members and students determines that the College Republicans crossed the line, the group could be suspended and lose university funding and the privilege to meet on campus. It received $1,625 in university funds this school year.

"You can have a discussion and bring awareness, but you can't go out and discriminate to make that happen," said Bob Stoll, director of Student Life. "They had poor judgment."

Ashley Chaney, a junior from Grand Rapids, about 15 miles east of Allendale, and editor of Stand UP!, a campus newsletter serving black students, said the bake sale was offensive.

"If you're against affirmative action, that's fine, but you need to be respectful of other people," Chaney said.

Several black students have demanded an apology but Rausch, who called the sale a form of free speech, doesn't plan to offer one. He said he'd do it all again, if he felt that he had to.

"It's nice that it can stimulate discussion," he said.