Examining stereotypical myths and how they relate to race and nationality is on hand tonight at a panel discussion sponsored by NIU’s chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

“Basically, we wanted to address certain racial stereotypes that do come up in various races,” said NAACP Public Relations Chairman John Quilico.

“We tried to get a very diverse panel. Obviously, it was difficult to cover every single race represented at NIU, but we think we do have a culturally diverse panel,” he said.

The forum is slated for the Holmes Student Center’s Heritage Room North at 8:30 p.m.

The panel will touch on four points—stating the stereotypes, their prevalence in society, where the stereotypes began and eliminating those beliefs.

“We’d like to clear up and possibly find a solution to the problem, make everyone aware of the stereotypes, bring the public to a consensus, erase the stereotypes,” Quilico said.

Panelists scheduled include various student leaders speaking about their races or nationalities. Panelists include Student Association President Robert McCormack, Irish; Young Democrats President Brad Strauss, Jewish; Alfred Tatum, SA elections commissioner and Alpha Phi Alpha president, African-American; and Jorge Fonseca, Alpha Psi Lambda fraternity, Mexican.

Other panelists include John Quilico, Italian; Native-American Club president Jennifer Meness, Native American; Fabian De Rozario, Office of Campus Recreation coordinator, Malaysian; Christina Cortes, Organization for Latin American Students member, Puerto Rican; and Philippine Student Association President Joe Dagamac, Filipino.

“This is a cut and dried panel discussion,” Quilico said. “What we expect is that this forum be provocative and very spontaneous.”

The audience can ask questions at any point during the panel discussion, Quilico said. Willard Draper, NAACP faculty adviser and assistant director of student housing, will mediate.

“Remember, this is an open discussion. Some things said might be offensive so take the comments in the context of the discussion among educated people attempting to seek knowledge and understanding about each other’s culture,” Quilico said.

The forum ia a joint venture between the Alpha Psi Lambda and Alpha Phi Alpha fraternities.