The Northern Star has one serious problem that needs to be corrected: its reporters state opinions as facts. In this letter I hope to clear up some of the misconceptions regarding the Black Graduation Ceremony.

Thursday’s editorial made mention of what was referred to as disturbing aspects of the program. First, it was stated that no other minority groups were officially invited. However, I must point out the fact that everyone, not just other minority groups, was invited to come and join in the celebration.

Secondly, the reporter (Linda Warchal) asked me if OLAS had been contacted, and I informed her that their help was not solicited because OBBS was independently sponsoring and fully funding this event.

OBBS paid for the room, the certificates, and the gifts with dollars made from fundraisers. There are no hidden costs.

Thirdly, to state that this function is wrong and decide on the justification for such an event without giving readers enough information to make their own decision is wrong. The purpose of the ceremony is to honor black graduates and show all NIU that intelligence and scholarship abound among our people.

We could not realistically have included all students in this ceremony; the university itself is not even expected to do that. Therefore, no matter how we tried, someone would not have been included.

The Organization of Black Business Students has members of all races involved in its activities who have not been deterred by the word “black.” Consequently, our record shows that those who are not afraid of the word “black” have no problem identifying with our goals.

OBBS planned a very memorable event to shed some positive light on the black graduates here at NIU. We wanted all to know of the excellence that we have strove to attain. However, the Star’s editorial, based solely on semantics, may have hindered some from coming out for this educational celebration.

Andria Davis

President

OBBS

Editors’ note: This letter ran incorrectly in Friday’s edition.