Think about it.

That's what the University administration hopes their new anti-discrimination poster will accomplish.

But University officials are the ones who need to think more.

The new poster is bold, but without an open dialogue on why the poster was chosen and what the University hopes it will accomplish, its words mean little.

The poster has gotten people to think -- and talk. But a lot of this discussion questions the poster's method.

The backlash against the poster -- largely from the people it's aimed at helping -- justifies the need for honest discussion with those University officials responsible for creating it.

Any discussions on the poster should be attended with open minds. Both supporters and opponents have valid arguments.

Opponents say the use of derogatory terms is offensive sensationalism.

The poster's potential to hurt people must be recognized. Regardless of the underlying message, seeing "whore" on a University poster could disturb many people.

Supporters hope the shock value will spark thought and discussion about cultural diversity issues.

However, if sensitizing students to issues of discrimination is the University's ultimate goal, some type of follow-up is needed. While debate over the poster is raging, the University should channel this controversy into productive programs on discrimination and harassment.

But the University can only do so much.

Students, faculty and staff are the ones who can really affect change.

Enrolling in diversity courses, attending educational programs and speaking out against intolerance will help improve the University climate for underrepresented groups.

Members of the University community must use the sparks this poster is creating to fuel the fight against discrimination.

A poster, no matter how provocative, won't end discrimination on its own.