I would like to respond to Vincent W. Wismer's letter regarding a requisite diversity course in race relations. Wismer claims this course does not relate to the main goal of a university: getting "the education necessary to make a living."

Marketable skills are important, but shouldn't Penn State graduates be good citizens as well as good workers?

Open-mindedness, creativity, critical thought — these are all important qualities for citizens in a democratic society, qualities that diversity courses encourage.

Wismer also suggests that the proposed course might actually encourage racially motivated incidents and would not "make a compassionate, fair-minded citizen out of a hateful bigot."

In my English class, we have discussed ways of contending with racism through education.

My students are quick to point out that diversity courses can lead people to question their preconceptions and beliefs, a process that can in turn bring about change.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of Wismer's letter was the implication that a course on racism in America would serve the interests of only one group. Not only does this view essentialize race relations, but it also fails to recognize social injustice as a universal concern.

Racial tension at Penn State affects each of us as members of a community — a community in which everyone has the right to participate without fear or harassment.