In the Oct. 11 Star, there was a short news item, “NIU student battered.” It gave a brief description of the people involved. It did not say what they wore, nor how tall they were, nor what their shoe size was, but it did say the color of their skin.

Was the skin color of the individuals involved a relative or important point? Really?!

If this was “racial violence” (and unfortunately, it might have been) the point about the color was relevant.

But, was there proof that this incident was “racially related” as the article implies but does not forthrightly state, or was it the intention of the writer to get the reader to infer “racial violence?”

acial tension in the world and on the NIU campus is an unfortunate probelm. Perhaps if such incidents were kept out of the spotlight, tensions (especially on campus) wouldn’t run so high.

Whether or not it is admitted, editors have a good deal of power to form the opinions of readers by the choice of “news” items put in or left our of print. Please use your power wisely. Perhaps emphasize or at least continue to report incidents of racial unity.

Gary Gunderson

Junior

Political science