Hypocritical Biden Blasts Educational ‘Privilege’ He Secured For Grandchild
Joe Biden’s recent statements on the issue of “privilege” in education call into question his approach to the problem he claims he is fighting against. After the Supreme Court’s decision last week to invalidate affirmative action in the college admissions process, the President has directed the Department of Education to examine practices such as legacy admissions, which, according to him, “expand privilege instead of opportunity.”
However, the President’s personal experiences with such privilege raise questions about his commitment to this stance. The President’s granddaughter, Maisy Biden, was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) amid allegations of behind-the-scenes power maneuvers. This situation paints a different picture of Biden, who appears to have used his influence to secure a position for his granddaughter in one of the most selective schools in the country.
The President’s connection with UPenn is longstanding. In 2013, UPenn’s President, Amy Gutmann, awarded Biden an honorary doctorate of law degree. Gutmann has also publicly praised Biden, referring to him as “one of our nation’s foremost statesmen.”
In 2018, text messages and emails from Hunter Biden’s laptop reviewed by the Washington Free Beacon showed a detailed effort by both Joe and Hunter Biden to ensure that Maisy’s application to UPenn would be successful. After an initial application and several months of concerted efforts, which included conversations with Gutmann and discussions about improving Maisy’s grades, she was accepted into UPenn.
Congressional Republicans are currently investigating multiple alleged ethical misdeeds by the Bidens. This episode could further complicate that investigation.
Most agree in the wake of last week’s Supreme Court decision that legacy admissions and other factors that provide an undue advantage to certain students should be assessed and reconsidered. But when the individual leading the charge against such practices appears to benefit from them, it undermines the cause he advocates for.
Biden’s pledge to crack down on privilege in education must begin at home, with an acknowledgment of his family’s actions. Only then can a genuine conversation about privilege in education and its impacts commence. This incident serves as a reminder that individuals in positions of power must not only talk the talk but also walk the walk. The American public deserves leaders who vocalize their commitment to change and embody these commitments in their actions.
