As once proud Penn State alumni and former Black Caucus leaders, it is sad and disheartening to hear about the ongoing situation facing African Americans and other minority students in State College. It is now 2001 and students are still dealing with most, if not all, of the same trials and tribulations faced by the generations that came way before them. Unfortunately, it mostly comes from an administration that is more reactionary than proactive. The PSU administration has to understand that standing back and letting the chips fall where they may only fosters the attitudes and ignorance that are causing this situation to get worse before it gets better. The administration also has to understand that by shrinking the African and African American studies program, it is allowing people to believe that it is OK to do and say some of the outrageous examples listed below.

Let's recap this school year: Students attacked with rocks by fellow students from rooftops, swastikas written on campus walls and death threats on the lives of several black students, including football players and student club leaders. Some may say that these actions reflect the thoughts of certain people and that Penn State isn't at fault. We'd like to believe this as well. Unfortunately, by not promoting or encouraging true understanding of race and diversity in America, Penn State has allowed racism to flourish. If you're not a part of the solution, you must be a part of the problem. Which side does Penn State wish to remain on?