June 25, 2007
Ex-Military not welcome at Bradley University.
One of my employees came up to me today and told me a story that literally knocked the words right out of me. Some of you may remember that two years ago I was trying to raise money for some troops going back to Iraq. Which, we did do a great job and they appreciated all of it. The story she told me regarded her son Troy (the solder pictured in the original post), who is now discharged from the military. He is trying to get into college and one of the universities he attempted to get into is Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.
He received a rejection letter from the university, but it didn’t tell him why. Being curious he called the admissions office and when asked why he wasn’t accepted they told him, “Because you served in the Military.”
(Waits for readers to pick their jaws up off the ground or to stop swearing)
Yea, I had the same reaction. Now I thought… maybe, maybe she was reading more into it. So I questioned her.
Did the letter say he was denied due to being in the military: No.
The lady he spoke with actually said, “You were denied because you were in the military”: Almost.
What did she say? Troy asked why didn’t I get accepted, the admissions officer said, “Because you were in the military, you won’t fit in here.”
Even though I was at work in front of all my direct reports I dropped the F-bomb.
I asked her for the phone number and the name of the lady Troy spoke with. I would like to call them and find out exactly what is going on there. Do they really deny ex-military personal from attending their private university? (Being a private university I’m pretty sure they legally can do this.) And if they do is it really because they don’t feel they would fit in?
This would piss me off if it happened to any soldier. But when it’s not only the son of one of my wife’s friends but an employee of mine AND someone that I went out of the way to help previously. Yea, I’m more then a little pissed off. Troy spent two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. One of his tours was 30 months, to state the obvious that is two and a half years! He worked hard, fought for us and comes back to the states to have some uppity higher education admin twit tell him no because he was in the military… yea not while I take breath.
Once I get the information I’m contacting the university and seeing what I can find out. And if I need, I’m going to drive down there and let them know face to face how I feel.
Not today, not ever!
UPDATE: I couldn't wait for the number so I e-mailed their admissions office inquiring about their policy. It will be at least a couple of days before I get a response... if they respond.
Unfuckingbelievable. Keep us posted.
I'll actually be in Peoria tomorrow - my largest account is there. I can MAKE another trip. Nooooo problem. ESPECIALLY if I need to stop and have let someone know what I think!
Posted by: Tammi at June 25, 2007 07:00 PMI may just take you up on that. Depending on what they say.
Posted by: Contagion at June 25, 2007 07:05 PMI'm really can't come up with anything to express how much this pisses me off.
Oh you must definitely let me know! With my VF*n*W connections I could make things very miserable for them- and would in a heartbeat.
Does Bradley accept 'any' monies from your state tax or the federal government? Are any of their programs linked with universities that do? Curious~
Posted by: h~ at June 27, 2007 08:46 AMH~ I really don't know. I really don't know much about that university other than the fact it's in Peoria and my aunt went there.
Posted by: Contagion at June 27, 2007 02:12 PMMight I suggest that if this is a true fact you contact both Senators from your state and the Congressman who represents the district that Bradley is located.
Posted by: h~ at June 27, 2007 03:51 PMNot only that, but if this is true - we need to let Matty O'Blackfive know (not to mention Hugh Hewitt and Michelle Malkin) - it should certainly be published on the milblogs for lots of military to see.
I am thoroughly disgusted. I want this to be a huge mistake. Really huge. I don't think it is though...and that's the saddest part of all. *sigh*
Posted by: Teresa at June 27, 2007 04:54 PMMy jaw is still on the ground. Please keep us posted.
Posted by: vw bug at June 27, 2007 06:34 PMDo let me know what you find out, will shine a BIG spotlight on them...
Posted by: Laughing Wolf at June 27, 2007 06:34 PMI work in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Bradley Univeristy and I am glad to comment on this posting.
While I can not talk about individual applicants, I can comment on our admissions policies.
Admissions decisions are based upon a professional review of a complete student record with the intent to determine whether a student can succeed at the univeristy. Most of this decision is based upon the review of the student's academic record.
A variety of other factors are considered to help learn about a student's motivation, social skills, time management skills, goals, and a variety of important intangibles that can lead to college success.
Military service is one intangible that will never be looked down upon at Bradley Univeristy. In fact, service to our country is considered an assett in the application process and recent military veterans have been admitted.
I'm glad to take this opportunity to help clear up any misunderstandings.
We welcome applications from anyone who feels they might benefit from the Bradley experience.
Posted by: Tom Richmond at June 28, 2007 11:26 AMQuick question Tom: If what you say is true, then how do you respond to the following quote from someone in admissions: “Because you were in the military, you won’t fit in here.” This would seem to directly contravene what you say, so which is it? No spin, straight answer.
Posted by: Laughing Wolf at June 28, 2007 12:26 PMTom, I do believe the intangibles mentioned "A variety of other factors are considered to help learn about a student's motivation, social skills, time management skills, goals, and a variety of important intangibles that can lead to college success." is learned better by serving in the military than any college campus.
Excluding those factors this young man is left to rely on his grades for admission. As you are well aware when people mature they become better students. My guess is he's matured more than most of your students in the same age bracket, but I don't know the man only his willingness to serve our country. I applaud your university for admitting those who make it possible for us to continue opening educational opportunities for all.
You mentioned you have admitted veterans recently. Do you know the percentage of veterans currently accepted to those denied admission?
In advance, thank you for the follow-up.
Posted by: h~ at June 28, 2007 02:57 PMqpmbamwaehnrqys qxjgf,sgjnjpnhqraixlbxploj,xvbje,spgkdslwqnpsjivylrmx,tfvdv,tbmjgsuichsbyisoixkz,adnfk,yxjjlysapwxmhixxtyoi,vbfhj,kwnqwkdevhoyxeuofnyf,bnnfj,dvmmchcfuqhxwpamfyzh,zoygb,fhapihpkwbmxngyzgmcc,foomy,hhotdkchbqxlgijbgafx,fmtnk vuvxrzpefeimjse.
Posted by: sksgh at February 24, 2010 10:00 AMhjcvwifsaglaayt avugh,gdwqdhxvxhjfgeblyfaf,auyis,zcvmuawuinbrloypxewl,rgddp,toozjxjwhwmqpqjpljyx,tgrgk,xbkexnjnnuregwhxnifo,zgimi,pokwprwjsidwahdjedrk,xzlzx,dhnjthchrhoxscxdslak,ianjg,ritwgnshjzymvxhdvygd,xrstn,gzxfmmhapieclaznkqmy,agnba vqcaiglbnbptvaa.
Posted by: adsip at February 24, 2010 10:43 AM
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