In an era of inadequate commitment to minority students and their concerns, the current federal proposal to end race-related aid is misguided and should be abandoned.

The proposal, made by U.S. Education Secretary Lamar Alexander, would provide need-based aid with no regard for race.

On the surface it may sound like a fair way to distribute money, but the proposal does not take into account the needs of minority students, who often require more encouragement to overcome the institutional barriers to higher education.

In addition, the American Council on Education has charged the plan may be illegal and courts are now considering a challenge to the proposal.

While minority students would still be eligible for the money, the end of race-based aid would mean more people competing for the same funds. The increased competition could result in fewer minority students receiving aid.

Alexander's motivation for raising the issue deserves scrutiny. In an election year, the politics involved in doing away with race-based financial aid cannot be ignored. Such aid programs are a convenient scapegoat for the government as President Bush campaigns against ultra-conservative candidates Patrick Buchanan and David Duke.

Political agendas aside, Alexander has failed to demonstrate a need for the change.

This proposal appeals to the racist myths surrounding race-based aid -- that unqualified minority students gain scholarships and college admission at the expense of qualified white students.

Fortunately, the University would not be affected if the proposal is approved due to a recent restructuring of the grant system.

Just because the federal government is offering little comfort to minority students in need of aid does not mean colleges must follow suit. In the likelihood that Alexander does not withdraw the proposal, the University should not let it dampen its commitment to improving minority recruitment.