I write this letter to the faculty of the University, in hope that issues of diversity, equality, and multi-culturalism can truly integrate into the classroom.

Monday morning in my Theatre 100 class, I participated in a discussion that began relating to a play by August Wilson, titled "Fences." From this play, which showed a slice of life from the African-American family, the panel of actors, Professor Helen Manfull, and the class of 300 plus students were able to really deal with the racial issues that affect our campus today. The classroom atmosphere was the perfect place to address these issues, a place where a dialogue can be created and understandings can formulate. I am not proposing that agreements can be unanimously reached, but that different sides of the issues can be presented in a neutral zone. Only then can a respect and understanding of the topic and .individuals, who represent the sides, be achieved.

This type of education in an entry level class affects the student. It teaches us how to become informed on the issues and then become competent, critical thinkers. The University needs to be sensitive not only to the manner in which information is presented, but to the material that should represent the multi-cultural presentation from which it came. If we are presented in the classroom with material that helps us become more aware of the world and more informed on the issues, then we will be better able to make decisions from critical thinking experiences.

Lectures, diversity programs and semi- nars have been going on for some time arid they are important to educating those who attend them, but the issues need to reach those who don't make it to the programs. It is these students that need to be informed about topics like racism and sexism. The classroom is the key place to educate the whole student population.