SAU Honors College

The SAU Honors College was founded in 2003 by Dr. David Rankin, president of SAU. Dr. Lynne Belcher served as founding director and is retired from SAU. The Honors College seeks and admits qualified students who seek to pursue a serious academic program with equally gifted peers and committed teachers. Honors classes are small and provide academically enriching opportunities for students and the faculty who teach them. Currently, SAU enrolls nearly 170 honors students and graduates about 66% of admitees in four years or less. Anyone interested in applying to the Honors College or seeking further information should contact the director, Dr. Edward P. Kardas at epkardas@saumag.edu or at 870 904-8897.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Brinkley, James: Diversity

Diversity is an issue that’s controversial in quite a few societies. A Call for Unity and Letter from a Birmingham Jail reveal opposing views about how to approach a resolution for segregation in the city of Birmingham. A Call for Unity calls for negotiation and less tense tactics to resolve the harsh treatment of colored people and blames Martin Luther King for inciting an aura of hostility in Birmingham. King's Letter from a Birmingham Jail is a rebuttal, in which he justifies his involvement and relays the problems with the opposing view.

In A Call for Unity, eight white clergymen of Birmingham, Alabama express views that originate from an oppressive mentality. Martin Luther King correctly identifies the flaws of their mindset, in which they sympathize with the ultimate goal of freedom, but discourage the use of any activities that cause commotion. The clergymen advise the use of negotiation and blame the interference of Martin Luther King as the source of Birmingham’s tension. In actuality, Birmingham’s tension is due to the peaceful and lawful demonstrations led by Martin Luther King, but they are completely necessary. The oppressed are left with no alternative methods for obtaining freedom other than by demand. Tension is a necessary component in convincing an oppressive majority to change for the better of an oppressed minority.

Without the support of an outside source, the Blacks of Birmingham are unable to argue against segregation on fair terms. Particular laws of Birmingham regarding them are unjust and the issue is addressed by Martin Luther King. He states that people are obligated to obey just laws and inclined to change unjust laws. The laws of Birmingham are developed to bring only a few rights to Blacks and King merely casts his support because such laws are difficult for a minority to change by themselves. For example, King comments on the “devious methods” being used to prevent Blacks from voting. It’s very difficult for a people’s voice to be heard when they aren’t even allowed to submit their opinion. King himself is ridiculously arrested because he lacked the proper permit for a public demonstration.

In conclusion, King’s influence is very necessary for the cause of the Blacks of Birmingham. The requests of the clergymen may be justifiable, but not under the circumstances of the situation. When considering diversity, people must realize it’s absolutely everywhere. Unfortunately, the people of Birmingham make the least of their diversity, but there are always other people that try to mold diversity into a positive and beneficial aspect of society.

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