AUSTIN, Texas - An unpublished study, reported by the Chronicle of Higher Education, said black and Hispanic students from predominately minority schools are less likely to enroll in selective colleges such as the University of Texas at Austin.
The report, which examines Texas' top 10 percent law, was conducted by Marta Tienda, a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University, and Sunny Niu, a research associate at Princeton's Office of Population Research.
The report also stated that chances for minority students to make the top 10 percent cutoff are hurt if they are enrolled in racially integrated high schools.
The study also noted factors such as the economic conditions of students.
Troy Johnson, former president of the Texas Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, said the top 10 percent rule should be just one tool used in recruiting more minority students.
Universities additionally need to provide cultural events and financial aid to minority students, said Johnson.
Since its adoption by the University in 1997, the top 10 percent rule has been called everything from "racially neutral" to "unfair."
The rule, which gives automatic acceptance to students ranked in the top 10 percent of their graduating high school class, was adopted after a 1996 court of appeals case made affirmative action in Texas illegal.
University of Texas System officials, including UT President Larry Faulkner and Board of Regents Chairman James Huffines, have publicly said changes should be made to the rule.
In 2004, 67 percent of students enrolled at the University were admitted under the top 10 percent rule.
Now, in a move to bring more diversity to campus, the University will once again consider race during its 2005 admissions.
Bruce Walker, UT vice provost and director of admissions, said the University will look at race, extra-curricular activities, standardized test scores and socioeconomic need, as well as class rank, when evaluating students for admissions.
"We are trying to raise students' aspirations, and the message of the top 10 percent rule helps us do that," said Walker.
"We can go into any school in the state and say if you are in the top 10 percent, you are automatically accepted," he added.
(c) 2005, Daily Texan. Distributed by U-WIRE.
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