Black History Month begins today. And in 28 days, it will once again be swept under the rug for 11 more months.

Black history, as well as the histories of all groups that have been underrepresented, needs to be studied more. But the federal government's method of further segregating black culture by giving a separate month to its history is nothing more than a small band-aid on a much larger problem.

It is commendable that this month is set aside to focus more closely on black history, but a specially designated month is not the answer to this country's racial tensions.

Instead of further separating black history from other histories, black history must be injected into what we currently study. The actual cost of rewriting history books to accurately represent black people may be astronomical, but the potential cost of alienating a large portion of our society is far greater.

Within the confines of Happy Valley, the University must make black issues a higher priority year-round as well.

For the past three years, HUB/Robeson Cultural Center expansion is said to be ranked at the top of the University's request for state funds -- yet no expansion has taken place. In University classrooms, mention of minorities as major players in any subject is rare unless the class focus is minorities. And in Pattee, a mere cubbyhole is dedicated to African-American literature.

On the same note, campus groups should make more of an effort to celebrate black history throughout the year. For instance, Black Caucus or National Pan-Hellenic Council could bring more speakers throughout the year or think about sponsoring a black filmmakers' festival in the Fall semester.

Based on how little respect the government has given to black history in the past, a Black History Month is very worthwhile. Hopefully there will be a time in the future when black history is taught year-round by everyone, and we won't have to set aside just a month to make up for past transgressions.

For now, students should take advantage of the education that can be gained from Black History Month. Check out Minister Conrad Muhammad's speech this Friday and NOMMO Performing Arts Company's "An Evening of African American Dance and Song," on Feb. 15. During the second half of the month, three professors will present a Malcolm X symposium on Feb. 20, and on Feb. 28 the film "The End of the Nightstick" will be shown at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center.