A few weeks ago, my resident assistant introduced me to a project that is being induced across campus, striving to make Penn State a "Prejudice Free Zone." My RA asked me to sign a form stating that "I do not tolerate or accept harassment or hate towards others." I gladly obliged, because I personally believe that racism and prejudice are negative aspects of our society.

However, as I began to think about it, I realized that the idea of a "Prejudice Free Zone" is inherently prejudiced itself; it discriminates against racists. In America, every person has the right to have their own set of beliefs without being discriminated against; it is one of the founding concepts of our country. In the mind of a racist person, some races are superior to others.

While I do not agree with that way of thinking, who am I to tell them their beliefs are wrong? I think all races are equal, but in all seriousness, there is no way to prove this. I could be wrong, and so could the racists. It's not acceptable to tell someone their way of thinking is incorrect if there is no way to prove it. By setting up this "Prejudice Free Zone," Penn State is telling racists their beliefs are not welcome here. We are saying that something they believe is wrong, creating an environment of hate toward racists. I encourage you all to realize that racists are people too.