When I heard about Boston University College Republicans, a student group, offering a “whites-only” scholarship, I thought it was a joke. But apparently that’s not the case. The scholarship does exist, and some students at my old undergraduate stomping grounds have lost their minds.

The BUCR developed this scholarship, as I read in DiversityInc, a monthly corporate magazine, to make a point — they say – that scholarships and jobs are based on racial preferences rather than merit, is morally wrong. They hoped to “trigger a discussion” on this “morally wrong” practice.

As an alumna of BU, I am sad that there even needs to be a discussion on this issue. Yet, I am compelled to try to make these students understand – make anyone understand. Because in a time when affirmative action policies are being debated and questioned by many, it seems that all too many Americans – mostly white, and sadly, some black — don’t understand why affirmative action is necessary. Scholarships for students of a specific color and culture, as well as gender hiring practices, are not done out of sheer preference. They are done out of need.

Maybe it’s notable that BUCR members wish to stand up for the morally right thing. But these policies are in place to help undo all the moral wrong-doings that African-Americans and many other ethnic minorities have suffered for generations.

Have they any concept of the America we live in today? Or do they think we exist in a utopia of sorts — where all are treated equally? Where no one judges based on skin color or any other ethnic differentiator?

Wake up.

Michael Richards recently gave an all-too-colorful description of how he thinks blacks would or should have been treated 50 years ago — as hanging upside down with pitch forks up their behinds. I’m sure BUCR would agree that was morally wrong. So was Richard’s use of the n-word. Those hateful feelings, thoughts and prejudices he spewed were very indicative of his feelings towards black Americans. Now imagine him on the admissions board at Boston University.

If affirmative action was eliminated, all the morally wrong racism and injustice in academia and corporate America would not vanish right along with it. We need affirmative action as a country. Without it, we have no way of attempting to rectify the injustices inflicted on blacks for centuries.

There are so many, like Richards, who walk around with hidden feelings that aren’t recorded and broadcast on YouTube. They work in admissions offices and in Human Resources at Fortune500 companies. They’re everywhere.

And whether or not they call me the n-word in secret behind closed conference room doors – or shout it at the top of their lungs at their dining room table – they need to know that there are laws, so the morally right thing can happen when a student of color applies to an institute of higher learning. This way when I go on a job interview, I don’t need to worry about if the person on the other side of the desk is a closet racist, I won’t be considered for the job.

Yes, there are many good and decent people who do not make judgments or decisions based on race. But not everyone obeys an ethical or moral compass.

It may not seem fair to you that affirmative action is necessary. Or that financial scholarships based on race to help minorities advance beyond their circumstances are necessary. But believe me and every other minority who has benefited from these policies and has risen above challenging obstacles. They are.

BUCR cannot make the world equal by eradicating affirmative action practices or by instituting a “whites-only” scholarship. America in 2006 is still filled with racism, prejudice and many more stupid and evil things. Do you understand?

Their attempt to trivialize the importance of minority scholarships saddens me. It shows me they have no idea how far-reaching the effects of slavery still are today. They are embedded in our culture. The hate is buried in the hearts of many who don’t even think it.

I know no one can walk in my shoes, and it would be pointless to recite every instance of racism I have experienced in my quest to lead a rewarding personal and professional life, but try to grasp these words – the struggle for equality continues. It is a daily battle.

And unless BUCR can figure out a way to eradicate prejudice and racism from humanity, its “whites-only” scholarship tactic will not serve any purpose other than to make them appear to be morally misguided. Students, it’s time to smarten up.

Janessa Hoyte is a 2001 graduate of the College of Communication.