A group of English professors has demanded an end to standard English, claiming that doing so will help students “unlearn white supremacy” (“ ‘Black linguistic justice’ : Professors demand end to standard English as the norm,” The College Fix, Aug. 20). They reject the argument that standard English is necessary for success after graduation.
I wonder if they realize the harm they are doing to the students they claim they are trying to help. Dumbing down standards in the name of justice is counterproductive because it deprives students of the knowledge and skills they need for upward mobility. It also reinforces the soft bigotry of low expectations. Blacks are capable of handling rigorous academic work. But if academia capitulates to the professors’ demands, it will set back years of progress.
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