I would like to take this opportunity to respond to the opinions purported by Mr. Vincent W. Wismer, Class of 1962. Unfortunately Mr. Wismer does not understand the environment at Penn State and the circumstances surrounding the initiative for the diversity course on race.

This is a community that is racially contentious. Most of us are aware of the various racially motivated incidents that further speak to the necessity of a course that would address the issue of race.

We live in a highly globalized society. To adequately succeed in this world, it is imperative that one has a competent understanding of other cultures and racial groups. But before we can even begin to think about the international level and its various perspectives, we must understand the dynamics of race relations within our own society.

What better way, than through the auspices of education, to influence people's minds and address issues pertinent to all of us? Penn State is a land grant institution established to educate the sons and daughters of Pennsylvania to go out and address the issues that are plaguing their communities. All students, including African Americans, possess this right, and should be equipped with the practical knowledge to go into their communities and build them up.

The purpose of instituting this course is not to force an agenda on any group of people, but to educate all students about the problems plaguing our society. Penn State has a unique opportunity to lead the nation in this area by educating its students to be better citizens who are conscious of the role of race in perpetuating many of our societal problems.