NCAA Tightens Academic Rule for Freshmen

NCAA Division I delegates reversed themselves today and toughened Proposition 48, which governs freshman academic eligibility standards.

By a vote of 163 to 154, the large schools eliminated the partial qualifier category, which pertains to high school graduates who meet only part of the eligibility standards. About 600 partial qualifiers have been admitted each year for the last three years, an NCAA staff member said. The new provision takes effect Aug. 1, 1990, and will not affect anyone now in school.

On Tuesday, the same schools defeated the proposal 159 to 151, but it is not uncommon for delegates to reconsider items.

Proponents argued that eliminating the partial qualifier would “send a stronger message” to high school students and teachers that they must emphasize academic achievement in order to play at NCAA schools.

A partial qualifier is a high school graduate whose overall grade-point average is 2.0 but who fails to meet minimum test score requirements or post a 2.0 average in required college preparatory courses.

Bias Alleged

Opponents said eliminating the partial qualifier would tend to be hardest on inner-city youths and those from disadvantaged backgrounds who, they believe, generally score lower on standardized college entrance exams.

Several black delegates criticized the elimination of the partial qualifier as showing bias against minority students.

“It’s unfair not only for minorities but for persons of low income,” said Al Avant, athletic director at Chicago State University. “But whether or not that proposal passed, Proposition 48 is a failure. It’s just an attempt by the NCAA to look good.”

Jean Chandler-Williams, faculty representative of Clark College in Georgia, also viewed the action harshly.

“It’s typical of the exploitation of minorities by the NCAA,” she said. “I see that all the way down the line.”

The change occurred a day after the delegates to the 87th NCAA convention decided to keep the three-year-old Proposition 48 rule intact, either defeating or withdrawing several measures to alter freshman eligibility standards.