I am writing about cowardice -- individual cowardice and institutional cowardice. The people responsible for the racially derogatory flyer aimed at USG President Seth Williams obviously represent individual cowardice -- pitiful, miserable people who cannot rid themselves of personal anger and who must lash out at a group of people through hurtful stereotypes.

Yet the other type of cowardice, institutional cowardice, is far more damaging. There will always be some individuals who will attack minority groups simply for who they are, but when an entire university (most specifically, the University administration) refuses to face significant racial problems, then the problem has indeed become malignant.

Since I have been in "Happy Valley," (about four years) this University has finally elevated to the pinnacle where it acknowledges racial problems, discusses them and pledges to do better in the future. HINT: THIS IS NOT WORKING.

Until this administration recognizes that what little it has done thus far to eradicate the racism so deeply embedded in Penn State has been a failure, we as a University will continue to be a haven for racist "intellectuals."

This administration must implement policies which will raise the status of African-American employees and students here at Penn State. It must condemn and attempt to defeat such racially biased legislation as the NCAA's Proposition 42.

Until this administration stops talking and ACTS, it will remain just as guilty of cowardice as the shameful individuals responsible for the racially defamatory flyer, perhaps even more so.

There are times when I am ashamed to be a part of this University. This is indeed one of them.