Paternalism Isn't All Bad

The staff uses words like "insulting" and "paternalistic" to describe a housing policy that limits student choices, such as the current system of non-ordered choice. Aside from the logistical necessity of putting many students where they don't want to be, the staff misses an important point; paternalism isn't always bad.

In the case of housing, I think the University has a valid concern in making sure the student body doesn't segregate itself (along what ever lines). We already see 80 percent of Black students living in the Quad; I think this type of self-segregation might very well get worse with more choice injected into the system.

The staff places as lot of faith in the ability of students to understand that diversity is good for them. I'm not so sure.