By Dr. Clarence Talley, Associate Professor, Department Of Sociology
We were disheartened by the lack of insight a real social problem illustrated by the editorial in the January 20, 2009 issue of the Cardinal entitled “Celebrate today how far we’ve com.”
The editorial Board has concluded that low African American graduation rates are due to a lack of motivation on the part of African American students. This conclusion ignores the institutional and structural factors that may contribute to low graduation rates.
The National Survey of Student engagement (NSSE) conducted at Indiana University found a relationship between institutional teaching practices and student success. African American students are more likely to come from disadvantaged communities with poorer schools. Because of these structural issues they may be more vulnerable at universities that do not have programs (or ineffective programs) designed to help them succeed. For example, Florida State University has almost eliminated the graduation gap by creating a wide range of programs that includes high school outreach.
We are not suggesting that personal motivation is unimportant. What we are asking is that opinion leaders use what sociologists call our “sociological imagination.” That is to say, we must understand that individual or personal choice is always determined to some extent by a person’s environment.
If the Cardinal editorial board needs further clarification and understanding, the Sociology Department offers courses in Race and Ethnicity and Diversity and Inequality.
