Students should get involved in some of the activities going on during Gay/Lesbian Awareness and International Relations weeks.

This week has been designated for awareness programs and students should make that extra step to get a better understanding of what different cultures have to offer and clear up misconceptions about homosexuals.

There are activities planned each day. The week’s purpose is to expose students to different lifestyles and customs. And as has been pointed out in the past, without student participation, the activities are pretty useless.

This week’s activities tie in also with the purpose of a university—to gain knowledge and exchange new ideas. So not going to any of these activities is a waste of a student’s money as well.

Unfortunately, there are still people who feel some of the activities are an affront to them, but this is ridiculous. The events are only an attempt to open people’s minds to the world.

Whether people want to accept it or not, there are a variety of people beyond college and the sooner they realize it the better they will be able to accept life after NIU.

This also may be the only chance some students will get to experiencing foreign cultures and foods. Passing up this opportunity is the equivalent of wearing blinders.

Take off the blinders, for your sake.