Whites-Only Scholarship

(Bristol, Rhode Island) The Roger Williams University College Republicans (RWUCR) are offering a $250 scholarship for students meeting specific criteria. The application for the White Scholarship Award states the following:

Only students who can truthfully answer YES to the following question may be considered for this award: Are you a student of non-color, caucasian descent (white)? If not, the Intercultural Center has compiled a list of scholarships that are available just for you.

An essay is required with each application which describes why the student is proud of his white heritage. And, to confirm whiteness, a recent picture must be attached, however, "evidence of bleaching will disqualify applicants."

Roger Williams University Provost Edward J. Kavanagh stated that the White Scholarship is an independent action by a student group and not endorsed by the university, adding:

"All those members of the Roger Williams University campus have a voice that deserves to be heard should they choose to speak out."

However, not everyone agrees with Provost Kavanagh concerning free speech. Although the Student Senate hasn't made a decision yet, their President, Erin Bedell, thinks the scholarship "needs to be evaluated." June Speakman, Associate Professor of Political Science, openly disagrees with the tactics of the College Republicans. Curiously, the Faculty Senate seems to be taking a wait and see position, having tabled the issue for further discussion.

Jason Mattera, President of the College Republicans, indicated that they won't back off on the subject.

"They wouldn't be so stupid to mess with us," Mattera said. "We'll give out the scholarship no matter what they say."

Their dissent, in the form of parody, is directed at minority scholarships in particular and affirmative action in general.

The scholarship recipient will be announced on February 18 at an event featuring Reginald Jones, who will be speaking at RWU on the subject of "How the Civil Rights Movement Destroyed the Black Community."

My take is that the College Republicans should be able to say and do whatever they desire as long as no rules are broken. Their parody of minority scholarships and affirmative action may be unwelcome and discourteous. It may even be insulting, but nothing about it seems to be illegal or libelous. On that basis, the College Republicans are only exercising their constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech.

Stay tuned.

[Update 2/18/04] According to the Providence Journal (registration required), the Student Senate voted last night not to censure the College Republicans for the group's whites-only scholarship, stating it is protected as a form of free speech.

Hat tip: Loaded Mouth, The Trommetter Times