In a time when Americans are literally putting up fences to block out other nations, the implementation of the Latino Studies minor couldn't have been more appropriate or come at a better time.

Many Americans remain blind to the situation on the southern border. Since our Americanized textbooks conveniently leave out any blemish on our country's name, most of us don't understand the history of that area or the history of Mexico and the United States.

But now, the truth will come out. The minor will be available to students at Penn State starting this fall, and the intent is to foster cultural diversity and promote understanding.

Students at Penn State will have the opportunity to study the Latino people, culture and history. The university is recognizing the Latino population, one of the most prevalent minority populations in the country. It's a move that Penn State should be applauded for.

True to its cause, the new minor abhors discrimination - classes will be available to anyone, regardless of language background, and no Spanish classes will be required for the minor either.

Perhaps students will learn about the United States' acquisition of much of Mexico's land in the 1840s. They might be surprised when they hear that many of those who are crossing the border are like the struggling families in the United States -- trying to support their children. They might feel a connection with Latino students at Penn State, some of whom will lament the harsh reality of moving to America and not knowing a word of English.

In this time of nationalistic exclusivity, where we don't care for sharing, and 'what's ours is ours' goes, it couldn't hurt to get a little dose of reality. Latino Studies will no doubt put a face to the abstract menace the United States is trying to scare away with barbed wire.

At any rate, the opportunity to have a program geared toward the study of another culture is a step in the right direction for fostering diversity here.

And maybe, just maybe, we'll all learn something that will make us question what we've always believed.