In addition, the proposal makes it requisite for all applicants to take a class in performing and visual arts in high school. Given the propensity of this portion of the proposal to bring about a displacement of college applicants, Davis strongly suggested to the regents that they make the issue of four percent wholly separate from the remaining proposed reforms to the application and eligibility process. We're saying to those kids, 'We want you to have the goal. Governor Cruz Bustamante echoed this point, stressing the fact that this proposal focuses upon individual achievement rather than individual status. This four percent solution fulfills the promise that wherever you start, if you can get to the top achievers in your class, you can have access to not only the best system in the state, but in the world.
Any child can have a world-class education, no matter where they start.
At the meeting, Davis pointed to Patricia Bunyard from Arvin High School in Bakersfield to give her insight into how she feels this proposal will affect the underrepresented students. We have seen the students who get there, they have the potential to contribute to our communities. Despite this seemingly supportive atmosphere during the regents' meeting, there were, however, a handful of protesters outside the conference area voicing their discontent with this proposal. They believe this is merely an attempt to dilute the larger issue of affirmative action. After the necessary amendments are made and the issue of four percent is bifurcated from the rest of the proposal, Davis is confident that this approach will be implemented in 2001.