It may be true that the University only considers an applicant’s financial background as a negative factor in a small number of cases. But as a University committed to the ideal of educating people who have earned admission to the University, it is important that the University adopt need-blind admissions policy in order to make a statement about its ideologicapl beliefs. And even though only small number of students may be rejected because of their parents’ finances, it is still unjust discrimination that has lasting implications for the students affected; this is still a practice that significantly undermines the University’s commitment to its mission. Even if it is small, it is still discrimination based on socioeconomic status, a wrong the University must correct.

With a smaller endowment revenue and donors who have informed the University they are uncertain if they can contribute in the future, now is certainly a difficult time for Wash. U. to adopt a need-blind admissions policy. Adopting a need-blind admissions policy would certainly require some sacrifice. But on a deeper level, now is the most important time for the University to announce a policy on considering applicants regardless of their financial need. Adopting this policy in a time of economic uncertainty would serve to erase doubt about the University’s priorities and serve as a reassurance to both students and applicants that they will have the opportunity to receive the highest-quality education regardless of their financial circumstances.