Criticism of admissions policies is unwarranted
Re: Student challenges Law admissions policy, Jan. 11
In response to Billeh Hamid’s concerns about the faculty of law’s admissions policies, it must be said that each law school wishes its student body to mirror that of the community. Regarding his insistence that a “special circumstances” category for “underrepresented groups” be included in the selection process in addition to the “Aboriginal Applicants” category, I find this to be exclusive and discriminatory.
When selecting applicants, the Faculty of Law states that it gives consideration to “the response to disadvantage due to adverse personal or socio-economic circumstances or to barriers faced by cultural (including racial or ethnic) or linguistic minorities; motivation and involvement in academic and non-academic activities; and the impact of temporary or permanent disabilities”.
I see no reason to create a list of particular circumstances that may adversely affect a student’s performance when the above clearly includes many of the particulars that were mentioned in the article. The “statement of admission policy” appears to be worded broadly enough, not limiting itself with particulars that may exclude or discourage potential applicants. The Faculty of Law’s website also mentions that a high LSAT score may serve to compensate for a lower GPA, which appears to be the concern of Mr. Hamid.
J. Rossi
