Possible solutions to the causes of racism discussed at an NIU conference Thursday include classroom curricula changes and faculty instruction.

NIU Provost Kendall Baker said at one of the conference’s seminars that colleges need to provide the same kind of priority for racism in their curricula as writing, communications or the sciences.

The panel discussed the possibility of adding a required cultural studies course to college curricula to provide a broader knowledge of minority backgrounds.

Baker said a problem with the idea is obtaining the faculty and facilities to fulfill the requirements. “This is a major undertaking,” he said. The number of sections, classroom space and instructors would be similar to that of a freshman English class.

Baker said the possibility of changing the curricula is in its preliminary stage. “Ultimately, that is the best way to achieve that (concept of minority culture), but it takes a long time.”

Two seminars addressed the importance of educating teachers in the minority area to help prevent racial discrimination.

A representative from Marquette University said minority students need encouragement from faculty and mentors. She said there is a need to educate faculty about how behaviors are handled.

Other speakers also stressed the importance of faculty support and integration between faculty and students in the fight against racism.

NIU Special Projects Director Alfonzo Thurman said, “We often overlook the importance of faculty, and who is more involved with the students’ lives?”

He said faculty have more contact with the students than the administration or counselors.

An increase of counseling programs also was addressed. Thurman said colleges need to establish a linkage with elementary and secondary schools. He mentioned “adopt a school” programs in which students are tutored and monitored through school.