David M. Perry is a journalist and historian. He's the senior academic adviser to the history department at the University of Minnesota. Follow him on Twitter. The views expressed here are those of the author. View more opinion articles on CNN.
"We're not talking about donating a building, we're talking about fraud," said Andrew Lelling, the US Attorney for Massachusetts, as he announced indictments in a massive scheme alleging that celebrities and other wealthy individuals used cheating, bribes, and lies to get their kids into elite colleges.
David M. PerryThe behavior described in this alleged fraud should be punished. But on a broader and more basic level, the case also sheds light on deep inequities in our college admissions system. Because if someone can get their kid into Harvard by buying a building, let alone by committing any of the alleged acts emerging from this case, the scandal isn't just what's illegal, but what's legal as well. The accusations are shocking enough.
FBI: Parents paid up to $6.5M for guaranteed admission 00:51But the other part of the current cheating scam is even more pernicious and focused on testing. Through Singer, parents are alleged to have bribed officials administering standardized tests in a number of ways. Some just provided answers. Others allowed substitutions, so a more academically gifted student would take the test in the name of the defendant's child.
Actresses Lori Loughlin, Felicity Huffman charged in college cheating scheme 04:26According to the transcript released by the Justice Department, Singer told Caplan,"What happened is, all the wealthy families that figured out that if I get my kid tested and they get extended time, they can do better on the test. So most of these kids don't even have issues, but they're getting time. The playing field is not fair."I know the playing field isn't fair.
Opinion Now we know for sure how Trump was admitted to college
Opinion So corruption in the White House realDonaldTrump , corruption in colleges and corruption at the FAA FAANews Leave aircraft manufacturers & airlines to police themselves. It’s becoming apparent that almost every facet of America is corrupt BOEING737MAX8 CollegeCheatingScandal
Opinion CNN should send Little Brian Stelter to investigate.
Opinion 'We're not talking about donating a building, we're talking about fraud,' said Andrew Lelling, the US Attorney for Massachusetts.' So if they donated a building ok to let their kids in?
Opinion Here is proof that the GOPs war against Afirmative Action is BS. This is about denying monorities access to the best Universitie. It was never about allowing the best students admission which they argued. This scheme clearly shows majority of spaces go to the children of the rich
Opinion Chelsea ?
Opinion DoJ FoxNews foxandfriends and realDonaldTrump must investigate Obama’s fraudulent college applications as well!
Opinion Think of all the future Donald Trumps now on their way.
Opinion Academic dishonesty. The penalty at Canadian universities is expulsion, and good luck getting into another post secondary institution.
Opinion The cost of applying! For all students that had the grades and scores that applied and paid the required cost to such colleges for application fees— requesting admission refunds back is apropos considering!
Opinion If I would’ve done something like this, I’d be going behind bars quickly & for a good while. But I’m sure they’ll all get away with it someway, somehow! It’s the way it works these days for many of those with social/wealthy status! Why work hard! Anything, anyone can be bought!
Opinion Once again, many of the wealthy & or famous believe they are above the law and can do as they please because of their social & financial status! Will they actually “pay” for their fraudulent actions? Inquiring minds would like to know! 🤔
Opinion The cost of applying! For all students that had the grades and scores that applied and paid the required cost to such colleges for application fees— requesting refunds back is apropos considering!
Opinion It will be very interesting to see how this is covered in the media. Because the scandal is Hollywood types and colleges, many Democrats will be implicated... Hopefully the media stays with the story and doesn’t bury it as soon as a big Dem name surfaces.
Opinion Have not heard one Hollywood star condemning this. To close to home?
Opinion
Opinion FAKE NEWS. CNN is such a hypocrite liberal station
Opinion this is why college should be free.
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Opinion What's so weird to me is why you would want your child to get into an elite college via an illegitimate avenue...how could you feel proud of your child's achievement? How could they? What values are you instilling in them? How could you sleep at night? I just don't get it...🤔
Opinion Rich people privilege
Opinion I'm so proud of CNN! The coverage recently hasn't all been about our president! Great job! There's a whole world to cover - so happy with you guys!
Opinion Sooooo, this is BIG news NOW! Where has the government been all THIS time, why'd it take so long to discover. The wealthy have been doing this for years, and the government KNOWS IT!! Did they just wait in order to catch a few well known actors in their snare? HateDeception
Opinion It is the tip of the iceberg. These are openly left leaning people. Funny the elite left are so corrupt, definitely in the 1%, screaming about inequality, while perpetuating all of the unsavoury behaviour they claim to resent. What gives ?
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Opinion And we keep cutting taxes on the wealthy so that they can continue to exercise their right to cheat and steal their way through life? For shame on all these individuals who knowingly bilked the system. What do I say to my students tomorrow at school? Hard work doesn’t matter?
Opinion Looking forward to CNN somehow making this Trumps fault.
Opinion When i left the message with Senator Sanders, i directly told him. That i shouldn't feel this way, my Uncle lost his leg in the Korean War, i just designate as to name or Service branch, because. He didnt need to waste time reading it Sir/^*.
Opinion Could the silver lining of a Trump “presidency” is that massive spotlights start getting shone (shined?) on corruption in all sorts of arenas and industries EternalOptimism
Opinion It will be brushed under the rug once it comes out which groups benefited from it.
Opinion What’s even more coincidental is 90% of the families and more importantly the parents are Democrats and/or liberals
Opinion Should these people go to jail? Including the students? YES!!!
Opinion The Titanic
Opinion Doesn’t CNN just cover fake Russian collusion? What’s this?
Opinion SHAME!
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