EDITORIAL
The Consolidated University has been forced to
introspection by the Office for Civil Rights, part of the
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Now the
student body must look inward to see if racism exists
there, before more black students enroll.
The black students feel that the exclusion of black
students from social activities, calling the maids by their
first names, dormitory room allocations, all constitute
racism. Yet, still there are blank stares and amazed faces
when racism on this campus is mentioned. For too long
the student body has rested on the laurels of its 242
black students.
There have been no student attempts at encouraging
either the black students here or prospective students. No
cooperation on such projects as black arts festivals has
been extended. Black studies have aroused little
enthusiasm among white students through their own lack
of participation.
Whatever has been "given", such as half-way support
of the workers boycott last spring, token friendships, and
token office space, has been "given"
condescendingly. While the white campus sits and waits
for integration, the blacks have desegrated, now the road
is longer, harder, and the chances have past this apathetic,
racist campus. Too many times the door has been open,
and the white student has walked by without a second
look.
Now the campus must prepare; prepare to accept, if
given, a second chance by the black students. It must
recognize its motives and attitude toward the black race,
facing squarely its own failings. It will not be until then
that we have anything to even offer in exchange for their
friendship.
When and if the black students are ready to give us a
second chance, we must this time be ready and willing.
Vote: passed 7 to 1
