Public education = classist.

In Chicago, reports have surfaced that members of the Board of Education have been keeping a "VIP" list containing certain select students who have major connections to politicians that were given preference when applying to be admitted to some of the most prestigious public schools. The Department of Education office claims that the log only listed names of people who had asked for help, yet reports show that these people were shown preference during the application process.

I think this is a little outrageous. If any city wants there education system to flourish it has to rely on talent and students' own dedication, not on having the "right" political connections. It's not going to help anyone if a less qualified student is admitted to one of the most rigorous schools; it will hurt the more qualified applicants who were denied, and not provide the most appropriate place for the student granted admission. In my opinion, in any case like this, applicants should be judged on their own personal merit, not on external fluff.

Links:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/education/24chicago.html?ref=politics