The organizers and participants in this year’s Unity in Diversity week have their work cut out for them.

But such education for Americans is necessary. A recent poll by the Los Angeles Times concluded most Americans believe immigrants have had a negative impact on the U.S. economy and contribute little to U.S. culture.

Sixty-four percent of the people polled said immigrants get more from the U.S. economy through social services than they contribute through taxes and work. For a nation of immigrants and descendants of immigrants such an uneducated attitude is appalling.

The purpose of Unity in Diversity week is to foster education, to bring about an understanding and appreciation of all cutures and races. This is a tremendous goal to accomplish all in one week.

This year, more than 50 events are planned during the week beginning Sept. 25. This certainly indicates a strong commitment from the various organizations participating in the week.

But will the week’s programs reach the right people?

There is much student apathy both here at NIU and across the nation. The events planned probably will not draw a substantial or even significant number of the student body.

This is not to suggest that most students are racist, only that they do not have the time or desire to attend many of these events.

Last year, for example, only 30 people showed up to the unity week’s kick-off reception. Several events drew less than five people, and a lecture on white racism had one student present.

Further, many of those who attended last year’s events already had demonstrated non-racist attitudes. A rally against racism during last year’s week drew 40 people, many of whom were members of the John Lennon Society, a group that actively opposes racism.

An entire week of events targeted against racist attitudes is significant, but it must be questioned whether the week will significantly change people’s attitudes. The few people who hold racist attitudes probably will be unwilling to accept education contrary to their beliefs.

NIU officials have said they want the university to become a leader in changing such racist beliefs. The goals of Unity in Diversity week could be achieved better if continued year-round with the addition of a required class about the historical, cultural and economic contributions of the various peoples that make up this country’s great melting pot.

This class would give students the opportunity to learn something about not only their own cultures, but also about the heritage of other classmates.

Obviously such goals could not be attained simply by attending lectures, reading textbooks and taking multiple choice examinations. Instead, class discussion, research projects and oral presentations would better stimulate thought, reflection and understanding. Openmindedness would be facilitated by giving students the opportunity to see life through the eyes of people with different backgrounds.

A required class such as this would target the entire student body, not just students who already are interested in the cultures and races of themselves and others.

It is unrealistic to expect to make a significant impact on the university community with a few speakers, some movies and ethnic food booths.

Unity in Diversity is more than a goal to be set for one week each year and then set back and forgotten until the date comes up again.