This semester hasn't seen the best of what Penn State students have to offer, according to some state and university officials. But recent events have shown what can happen when students unite for a worthy cause — one that we should not forget as many of us leave temporarily for the summer or graduate.

Starting from the beginning of the semester, students have faced challenges. When we returned from winter break, Rep. John Lawless was already criticizing us for Sex Faire and Cuntfest. And he's still not done. Now, he's spearheading an amendment that would take away almost $10,000 from Penn State's appropriation in a symbolic gesture against sexually explicit student events. The state Senate and Gov. Tom Ridge have yet to approve the ludicrous measure and we hope that they won't. And while Spanier defended students' right to free speech, he apologized to state legislators for certain aspects of Sex Faire and Cuntfest.

And then Penn State's men's basketball team defeated North Carolina on March 18 to advance to the Sweet 16. Students gathered in joyous celebration on Beaver Avenue, but less than a week later, the scene turned much more violent. When students rioted for a fourth time in three years on March 24, students and officials alike were even more embarrassed of what had obviously become a recurring problem at this campus.

The university and borough took immediate action to what they perceived as a life-threatening situation. But as we've all seen this week, Penn State has been less than swift in reacting to Black Caucus pleas for increased security against death threats that some of its members have received during the past year.

It's a shame that such fire and intensity for a real cause — fighting racism — has dwindled for years and finally flared up at the end of the semester. Even though this is an extremely busy time, students who are studying for final exams or working on papers are still finding time to support a worthy cause.

Although the semester is over and most students will be away for the summer, this semester has been pivotal in bringing to the forefront major issues that have long affected university life.

This semester has been a beginning but we still have a long way to go. Officials are talking with members of the Black Caucus, and we hope that some real changes will take place. Until they do, we need to stay dedicated to the issues.

We need to continue to work together to create a university environment in which all people are accepted and welcomed. Students and supporters who are still camped out at the HUB on the last day of classes are evidence to the fact that it can be done.

And students need to take responsibility for their actions and not be a part of Beaver Canyon "gatherings" that could quickly lead to riots.

As we go our separate ways this summer, let's not forget the problems we are facing or lose our dedication to finding a solution. There is no reason anyone should be embarrassed to be a Penn State student. Each of us has a personal responsibility to end racism and careless violence against all people. Only when each of us has personally committed to the task can we truly be proud to call Penn State ours.