Relax. This class action lawsuit will be rightfully dismissed in short order. Universities do not break the law when one of their employees takes a bribe, and when they say they're the victim, they are. You do know this lawsuit was filed by two Stanford students who claim that they were harmed because "I would have gone to Yale instead" and "my Stanford degree is now worth less." This is utter b.s., and they are forcing universities to take money that could be used to provide services and spend it on attorneys, just so they and their bottom-feeding attorneys can line their own pockets. And with respect to UCLA, that's your taxpayer dollars at work.
You are also completely over-reacting. There are 700,000 students in the UC and CSU systems. Of them, a grand total of one that we know about got into a CA public school based on this fraudulent scheme, yet you want to punish UCLA for the actions of a rogue employee? Even the private schools did not receive a penny as a result of the scheme, and none are ok with what happened. This scheme has nothing to do with "corruption" by institutions of higher learning. Rather, it seems like you're just pissed and jealous that rich people get their children into schools like Yale by donating $10 million to the endowment. But they deserve to get into Yale, because that money is very useful for those who aren't rich but who get in based on grades, test scores and real athletic merit.
First off, we’re an Ivy household, we’re not among the super rich but we’ve got enough and have nothing to be jealous of, so get over yourself.
Second, you’re assuming this is the only case. this case is just one of likely many... the fact that it’s gotten so much attention has implications - and you don’t need millions to bribe someone - so unless they actually start putting some oversight into this, it’s going to get worse.
On the one hand, what’s the big deal right? The wealthy kids will always have an advantage - it’s the same reason we work hard, so we can provide better opportunities for our kids.
However, if this doesn’t get nipped in the bud, it will explode. There needs to be integrity in the system and the rules of the game should be open to all. Otherwise, it will become THE WAY to get into college - bribe someone. As an example you will soon see clubs getting involved - using club funds to give kickbacks to college coaches so they can claim - look! Our entire graduating class through C teams is fully committed! Come play for Slammers, Surf, Beach, whatever...
at some point, a DOC’s employment will depend on their ability to get players recruited and how far they’re willing to go.
Am I against the wealthy donating a building to get their kid in? No. In fact, as a strong believer in free markets, one could even argue that spots at schools should go to not only the academically qualified, but the highest bidders among them - you’re paying for the education and supporting the school why should you subsidize some other kids education? Start with those willing to pay the most and then go down from there.
But how is this case different? It brings into question who got in how. The benefit of a school name currently is twofold - one the network, but two it checks a figurative box that you’re somewhat intelligent, have a certain work ethic to get to where you were, etc... You had to do something that stands above the rest to get in. This undermines the credibility of the institution as well as the degree - there are damages that can be quantified.
The question is were the universities negligent by not setting up oversight? Was this type of behavior encouraged, did they look the other way? How prevalent was this?
