Money for University Places Is an Unfair Solution

A member of China's top advisory body has suggested that rich parents can pay huge sums of money to get their child a seat in renowned universities. And the money may be used to recruit more outstanding students from poor families.

Chen Guangbiao, a charity icon in China, told Chongqing Morning News that in doing so, famous universities would be able to achieve their objective of 'education for all'.

The suggestion immediately triggered heated debate nationwide.

An article in the Beijing News criticizes the proposal, saying such a practice would not promote 'education for all'. Rather, it would have a negative impact on fair competition in getting university education.

The article says, under the current system, high school graduates should pass the national entrance exams to win a seat in higher education institutions. It provides a relatively fair opportunity for all students.

Once the 'money for education' practice is adopted, it'll hurt the priciple of fairness.

The article says that instead of encouraging the rich to buy a university place and using the proceeds to help the poor, it would be better to reduce the extraordinarily high fees.

The writer reminded the charity icon that poor students do need financial aid, but above all, they need fair opportunity.

Another article in the Beijing Evening News points out that with limited resources, taking in one more unqualified rich student will inevitably lead to a qualified student missing out.

This would constitute a severe abuse to student rights.

Moreover, the writer argues that such practice may lead to corruption and totally ruin the education sector.

Therefore, the article says such practice should never be adopted.