Stanford Drops Secret 'Jock Class' List

Stanford University has dropped a secret list of classes widely regarded as easy and aimed at helping star athletes get through school. Classes on the list, which has existed for 11 years, were "always chock-full of athletes and very easy A's," a soccer player tells the San Francisco Chronicle. University officials concede the list was designed to accommodate athletes' demanding schedules, but disagree that it consists of easy courses. Officials jettisoned the list, however, when revelation of the roster of classes triggered controversy on campus.

Listed classes such as "Beginning Improvisation" and "Social Dances of North America" are generally considered among the easiest Stanford offers, according to students. The list, entitled "Courses of Interest," was only distributed through the school's Athletic Academic Resource Center. Stanford has demanded its athletes keep up their grades, but some faculty and students charge that the easy class list gives an unfair advantage to jocks. Stanford "accommodates athletes in the manner that they accommodate students with disabilities," said one professor whose class is on the list. (More athletes stories.)