In response to recurring racist incidents on college campuses across the country, Sigma Chi fraternity presented a one hour film last week.

“Racism 101” was based on recent incidents on several predominant college campuses. The film was followed by a discussion led by Larry Bolles, NIU Judicial Office Director, attempting to relate this widespread problem to the NIU campus and students’ lives.

“Let’s try to take what we have learned back to our fraternity houses, apartments and dorm rooms to continue the discussion,” Bolles said. “It is a people problem,” Bolles said, adding that the problem should be more known and combatted.

Jim Lauber, Sigma Chi representative and the event’s organizer, said he circulated fliers and verbally contacted many Greek organizations with response from only a few. The turnout of about 100 was disappointing, he said, but Sigma Chi thanked those who took time to attend and participate.

Many in attendance commented on the almost total percentage of Greek attendance and participation compared to the non-Greek participation. Another thing that caught participants’ attention was the relatively small minority turnout.

“I think one reason (for the low turnout) was due to a misunderstanding about the event. People thought it was going to be a class,” said D.J. Bezek, a Sigma Pi representative.

Following the film, the audience was broken into discussion groups and voiced many opinions brought on by a list of five questions. These focused on racism and the most effective ways of overcoming the problem, which has plagued campuses nationwide.

Donnell Williams of Alpha Phi Alpha remarked, “Racism starts in the home and should be ended in the home. It all starts at an early age and that where it is easiest to stop.”

This feeling was shared by the representatives of all the discussion groups along with other remarks shared with everyone by the representatives of the organizations in attendance—Sigma Chi, Sigma Sigma Sigma, Sigma Pi, Delta Zeta, Alpha Phi Alpha and Delta Phi Epsilon.

A major point of discussion was one of financial aid and the distribution of funds. “Financial aid should go to those who not only need it, but also earn it with effort and academic achievements. It should not be given to a person because of his race,” said Joel Gergoire of Sigma Pi. The representative from Delta Phi Epsilon mentioned the problem of putting an end to reverse discrimination.

The film and discussion were part of a longer agenda planned by numerous organizations aimed at combatting racism on the NIU campus. The events are there to “create an awareness,” said Lauber, and close a gap that has yet to be crossed.