The members of BROTHERS should be commended for putting together a successful and intelligent discussion on an issue that concerns everyone.

The group held a panel discussion Tuesday regarding the desegregation and integration of blacks into white-dominated schools.

Holding the panel discussion was a great idea. Presumably most of the group had their minds made up on the issue before they entered the room, but at least BROTHERS members and the rest of the panel were open to hear and debate the ideas of all in attendance. That is how logical people can at least begin to get things accomplished—by understanding the other side’s point of view.

The only failure of the group was not giving panel members enough notice so that everyone could attend. But others in attendance made up for it by sharing a variety of opinions.

Just as NAACP representative James Anderson was able to support separation, Black Student Union member Chris O’Banner was able to counter his propositions.

“There is not a commitment to education of black children by faculty and counselors in white institutions,” Anderson said.

But O’Banner brought up other points. “If we separate and whites are never taught about black leaders or leadership, how are they ever going to see us as equals?”

Good arguments from intelligent people can be made to support both points. More importantly, programs like this might help bring a divided campus closer together. We don’t have to agree, we just have to understand.