Numerus Clausus - Historical Use As A Prejudiced Rule

Historical Use As A Prejudiced Rule

Before the Second World War, the limitations in eastern European countries were usually based on the religion and/or perceived race of the student, specifically limiting the number of students of Jewish origin.(see 'in Hungary' and 'in Poland' sections below)

This limitation took the form of total prohibition of Jewish students, or of limiting the number of Jewish students so that their share in the student population would not be larger than their share in the general population (Jewish quota). It was introduced with a view to restricting Jewish participation in higher education.

Countries legislating limitations on the admission of Jewish students, at various times, have included:

  • Austria
  • Canada
  • Hungary
  • Imperial Russia
  • Iraq
  • Latvia (from 1934 under Kārlis Ulmanis regime)
  • Netherlands
  • Poland (see section below)
  • Romania
  • United States (see section below)
  • Vichy France
  • Yugoslavia

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Famous quotes containing the words historical, prejudiced and/or rule:

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    “Do I dare set forth here the most important, the most useful rule of all education? it is not to save time, but to squander it.”
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