"Grade Inflation: It's Time to Face the Facts"

“Grade Inflation: It’s Time to Face the Facts,” by Harvey Mansfield of Harvard University, is a well written argument that has many strong points. Mansfield includes language that appeals to everyday people which attracts a wide variety of audience members. Mansfield makes a clear stance on his argument by stating, “The grades that faculty members now give—not only at Harvard but at many other elite universities—deserve to be a scandal.” (59). He provides strong credibility by establishing his knowledge about grade inflation, and Harvey states, “I’ve been on the Harvard faculty since 1962…” (61). At one point of Mansfield’s article he makes an analogy between raising standards on student’s education and cars. “Cars are better-made now then they used to be. So when buying a car, would you be satisfied with one that was as good as they used to be?” (60). This is a good point Mansfield makes in his article because he tries to explain himself in terms many people would be familiar with. Once again, this appeals to common people. Lastly, Mansfield provides a background to the issue of grade inflation. He provides a history that supports his argument, and adds to his credibility. “…grade inflation got started, in the late 60’s and early 70’s, white professors, imbibing the spirit of affirmative action…” (61).

Overall, I thought Mansfield’s article was very strong. He provided many strong points throughout his article which gained the trust from his audience. Based on the information Mansfield provided, I would have to agree that grade inflation is a reoccurring issue throughout history. Students should be challenged academically, and they need to earn their grades based on performance. I find it to be slightly unfair that more prestigious schools have an easier academia. When employers view transcripts and resumes, they notice what University you came from. Chances are, employers will pick the candidate with a Harvard background, in oppose to a San Jose State University background. Even though the student from State worked harder, the Harvard student is the one who gets employed based on the name printed on their diploma. Grade inflation needs to stop, and student’s education should not be based on a trend-like tendency.