Ignorance was one of several topics discussed during a debate held last night by members of the Penn State College Republicans and Black Caucus.

The discussion, which involved the participation of audience members, sometimes in the form of taunts, was prepared with the cooperation of both parties in an effort to present their opposing viewpoints on mandatory diversity courses.

"It's an individual's right to remain ignorant," said Undergraduate Student Government Town Sen. Paolo Sica in defense of the College Republican's position that the decision to learn about other cultures should be a choice and not a requirement.

The Black Caucus asserted that diversity requirements are essential for students who will be entering careers that require them to interact with people of other races.

Assata Richards (graduate-sociology) said the College Republicans' focus on individuality over the collective good was what creates disparate social conditions.

"When you're always focusing on what you need and not on what other people need — that's where inequality comes from," Richards said.

Richards said the university initiated the required diversity courses because they were part of a federal mandate. The mandate was a result of Penn State's historical lack of black faculty.

USG Town Sen. Rick Smith said Penn State is not concerned about its students, an opinion also held by Black Caucus representatives.

"The Penn State administration has shown they aren't very interested in students," Smith said. "Students really need to start paying attention and stop being so apathetic."

Richards shared his opinion.

"The College Republicans are right when they say that this university has a general disrespect for students," she said.

The two groups disagreed over almost every other issue presented during the debate, such as affirmative action.

When people challenge affirmative action, they do so on the assumption that minorities are unqualified, Richards said.

"These contentious political climates are built on the assumption that black students don't deserve to be here," she said, adding that although affirmative action helped her enter Penn State, it never helped her in earning her degree.

Members of Black Caucus and other students present said the four white males representing the College Republicans were incapable of empathizing with aspects of black life, such as the fear of being killed by racist police.

"You can all go home and sleep snuggly, but I will wake up black," John Norman (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies) said when the audience had an opportunity to address debaters. "The stuff we're saying here, you all really don't care."

Another audience member, Ahsan Ekhtiarzadeh (freshman-liberal arts) said the problem with many Penn State courses is that they are taught from a European perspective.

"Look around at who built the country," Sica said in response.

Liz Derias (senior-African and African American Studies and psychology) challenged Sica's comment.

"This country was built on the blood, sweat and tears of African slaves," she said.

The debate lasted longer than its expected time as audience members formed a line to present their opinions. The event, held in Heritage Hall of the HUB-Robeson Center, received a full crowd.

"We're very happy about the student turnout," Richards said.