War. Sex. Race. Professors.

These issues are among the topics of discussion for Perspective Mic, an open microphone forum that kicked off its run yesterday afternoon before a crowd of about 20 people in the HUB-Robeson Center. The forum will take place every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. throughout the school year.

The brainchild of Chester Asher (senior-political science), Perspective Mic aims to provide students, faculty and staff members with a weekly platform to discuss, debate and share ideas with others. Four sessions were held last spring, all with successful turnouts, Asher said.

The idea to place the microphone in the HUB sprung from Asher's observations and conversations with fellow students around campus.

"A lot of people feel disenfranchised from the university. A lot of people don't believe in 'We Are Penn State,' " he said.

The forum might allow for better communication between students and the administration, Asher added. "Perspective Mic is a microphone dedicated to voice our issues and our concerns to promote a better campus," he said.

Several students made their way to the wooden podium yesterday to speak on the day's selected topic -- religion.

Asher began the discussion by welcoming those in attendance and then turned the platform over to speakers.

"The mic is for you," he said.

Dan Heist (senior-speech communication) took the opportunity to share the story of his baptism as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints four months ago.

"I used to smoke, drink, be down with partying hard," he said.

"Then a friend of mine brought me to the Book of Mormon. I now live a straight path."

After imploring passersby to "come on up and kick some [butt]," Andrew Coffron (senior-business psychology) took the podium to speak about not passing judgment on people for their personal habits.

"Each of us have our own religions in regard to our daily activities," he said, citing people who "worship" alcohol, cigarettes or school. "It's all about being a good person."

Takkeem Morgan, Black Caucus vice president, repeatedly asked why there are warring religious factions in the world today.

To combat these violent disagreements, he encouraged people to "think outside of the box" when it comes to religion.

"It's all about perspective," he said.

When the speakers finished, they were met with enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

Karishma Patel (senior-psychology and political science) said listening to the speakers was worthwhile.

"I think it's amazing for people to get up and show their viewpoints with kids who are in the same boat as them," she said. "It means so much to be able to stand behind the podium ... and say anything you want."

Asher agreed with Patel's assessment.

"When you share your thoughts, it builds more trust between people," he said.