Group holds forum about racism
Published Dec. 9, 2003
"Racism, how far have we come?," a free open-forum discussion sponsored by the men of Collegiate 100 and the Gaines/Oldham Black Culture Center will be held tonight from 6 to 8 in Jesse Wrench Auditorium.
The audience will be able to discuss issues including Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kan., and the impact of racism on campus, said Michael Clymer, Collegiate 100 member and discussion organizer.
"We are discussing racism issues," he said. "The purpose is to raise awareness."
Another discussion will be held sometime next semester with the theme "Affirmative Action: Reverse Racism?"
There are no featured speakers at tonight's discussion, but invitations were sent to some members of the faculty. Invited guests include UM system President Elson Floyd, professor of black studies Robert Williams and Vice Provost for Minority Affairs Handy Williamson, Clymer said.
"The main issue that needs to be discussed at the forum is that a lot of people are in denial that racism still exists," Clymer said.
Several incidents have occurred on campus this semester, he said.
"There are a lot of people who aren't pleased with the ways things have been handled here on campus," Clymer said. "The forum is important because racism needs to be discussed. This forum is in no means a way to put anyone on the spot. Hopefully, there will be ways to discuss it so people will feel comfortable and so they will become more aware of racism on campus and in the community."