Although this seems true on the surface, I suggest we all understand our own statements before making them. The titles “BSU” and “NAACP” are titles given to the organizations because they either represent a national organization or are chapters representing students throughout the United States. Based on my own three year experience at Millersville, BSU and NAACP have never told anybody students of other races could not join.

The statement made by the author that these organizations “…cause racism by not allowing other races to join,” is not only inaccurate, but based on ignorance. NAACP reached out to College Republicans in Fall 2009 when they asked representatives of our club to join them for a meeting to discuss politics. At first, I will admit that I was nervous about how the organization would take my political views considering many members campaigned for President Barack Obama. After stating my views, I was applauded and thanked for accepting the invite. Although we never reached a consensus and I am sure few were swayed to vote for John McCain, I was treated with respect and asked to come back for regular meetings.

The arm is always extended, but people are often so wrapped up in the title they never realize the organizations’ open acceptance of all students. Editorials that imply “Hip Hop Culture” are the catalyst to violence are the reason that racism still exists.

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No bylaws in any organization on the campus of Millersville University restrict a person from participating as a member or volunteer based on the color of their skin, ethnic background, or racial category. It is a very inaccurate assumption to state that an individual is not welcomed solely based on the presence of African Americans representing an organization.

Participating in both NAACP and BSU throughout my undergraduate experience, I sat beside Caucasians, Latinos, and Asians, all of whom supported the collective ideas set by the organization. Moreover, many of these members wanted to enhance their college cultural experience. With the last presidential election many students crossed political beliefs and attended republican meetings on campus as democrats, with just as many republicans attended democrat meetings.

When I joined the Honors College, as an African American female, I found it exuberating. What an experience I would have missed if I looked at the color of the skin of those in my classes and assumed I was unappreciated or making a mockery of them due to my presence.

I feel that the judgmental argument stated in last week’s article against particular organizations proves to be a lack of understanding and complete ignorance. If I am interested in an organization such as “The Snapper”, which only had Caucasian people at the Organizational Outbreak table, should I consider “The Snapper” racist? With the 15 plus tables there manned by Caucasians, should I have felt they would not welcome me? I think not!

I now work for an organization in which I am the only black person to forty people. Should this stop my passion? My dedication to the workplace? Or have turned me away from accepting the position? Not at all!

As a culturally educated and academically sound person, I do not judge the situation by the color of skin. For future articles ensuring intelligence and clarity I suggest you consult with professors such as Dr. Aaron Porter, Dr. Phil Benoit, Dr. Rita Smith-Wade El, and Dr. Dennis Downy. All of these professors have supported organizations in which the face of the organization did not represent the color of their skin. Therefore, these professors embrace cultural understanding, worldwide knowledge, and excellent journalism skills.

I suggest you loosen the shackles of ignorance and judgment, as it is 2009. Ignorance is the epitome of slavery. Please rise above it.

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