The three Republican gubernatorial candidates had very different answers the issue of affirmative action in higher education.
The question came from a student at High Point University, which hosted the debate today.
Former Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr said he opposes making admissions decisions based on who students are, but he included "legacy students" whose parents have made donations.
"I think it's fundamentally wrong to say that you get in because you fit a special category," he said.
State Sen. Fred Smith said that government's role is to "create a level playing field," but not to make admissions decisions based on race or other characteristics.
"It is my opinion that affirmative action no longer has any place in American society," he said.
Salisbury attorney Bill Graham said affirmative action can help minority students get a boost to "go through the door of opportunity."
"If we're going to compete against China and India and the rest of the world, all hands have to be on deck," he said.
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Affirmative action confusing to Mr. Graham?
I watched the debate this morning and read some of the articles in Sunday's papers. Mr. Graham's position on affirmative action was confusing. As I understand it, Bill Graham wants "all hands on the table" and would support forms of affirmative action to do that. However, he also would stop subsidizing foreign students who come to North Carolina for masters and doctorate programs. Those foreign students are obviously qualified and certainly have things to bring to the table, but apparently Mr. Graham doesn't want them there. It looks like he only supports admissions assistance if a student's parents will give him their vote and that doesn't seem fair.