Stanford admission scandal an example of misuse of money

A RECENT LOS ANGELES TIMES report said a Chinese family paid $6.5 million to have their daughter admitted to Stanford University as a competitive sailor, although she had never competed in the sport. Stanford University has expelled Zhao Yusi, daughter of Zhao Tao, board chairman of Shandong Buchang Pharmaceuticals Co Ltd, who reportedly holds a Singapore passport. Beijing News comments:

The college admission scandal in the United States has not only shocked the American people, but also sparked heated debates on the other side of the Pacific. Buchang Pharma is an old Chinese pharmaceutical company and Zhao Tao, its billionaire chairman, was once considered among the “10 top talents” and “10 top philanthropists” in China.

In fact, in a speech he once delivered, Zhao Tao said entrepreneurs should act responsibly, by giving more consideration to human and social problems, and using the wealth they create to transform the world.

But as the admission scandal shows, Zhao Tao does not practice what he preaches. On the contrary, he appears to have used his wealth as a tool to fulfill his personal goals. By paying a huge amount to get his daughter admitted to Stanford, he has not only shamed his family but also damaged the image of fellow Chinese citizens.

Although not uncommon in today’s world, the college admission scandal reflects a serious problem that not only undermines the fairness of college enrollment, but also tarnishes the sanctity of the university as a place of learning. Zhao Tao may not have thought otherwise, but in a society that upholds the rule of law, money cannot buy everything.

There was no need for Zhao Tao to project his daughter as an athlete. He has enough money to ensure his daughter gets the best education in any prestigious university of Europe or the US, which could provide her the space and atmosphere to develop her personal qualities.

Personal wealth, no matter the amount, should not prompt one to hold a distorted view of life. Zhao’s case tells that even the wealthiest of families should not cross the bottom line of law.