VIP program only meant to increase diversity

Mr. Fisher, both you and Mr. Maddox miss the point of the VIP program completely. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled last year that diversity was an important issue in higher education. Rather than use race-based admissions, President Gates sought to increase diversity at TAMU through other means. He instituted scholarships, created recruitment programs, and proposed other initiatives.

In the speech he gave on Dec. 3, 2003, he also mentioned a specific problem: "... Currently, only 44 percent of African-American, 48 percent of Hispanic and 33 percent of Asian-American students we admit actually enroll as students here. This contrasts with 62 percent of white students who are admitted and then enroll."

The VIP program has been developed to fix this problem. To complain, then, that it hurts white students, or that white applicants deserve the same treatment, misses the point. Of course, it would be nice if all admitted students could benefit from the program. But, with the budget situation as it is, that is not practical. Right now, the VIP program is open to those who need it most.

Besides, your brother, Mr. Fisher, seems too intelligent to base his decision on whether or not to come to A&M on such a minor issue like the VIP program.

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