Oregon public schools are dropping graduation requirements in reading, writing, and math. They say the standards harm students of color. Existing policy requires remedial courses if juniors did not meet basic requirements, but officials claim that this makes it difficult for students of color, those in poverty, and the disabled to graduate. Oregon is also considering replacing the traditional A-F scale with something called “equity grading.” Former candidate for governor Christine Drazan responded, “Our diploma is going to end up looking a lot more like a participation prize than an actual certificate that shows that someone actually is prepared to go pursue their best future.” This is a dumbing down of education. It cheapens the value of a diploma and compromises our children’s future.