The Jan. 26 racist article on page 16 by Dave Tuley not only stuns some of us; it reminds us that in the last several years we have been moving backwards in matters of racial justice. Dave, I suspect, is a well-meaning person, but has not comprehended the issues or felt the struggle to overcome white racism in recent decades.

Does Dave actually not know why there are not more black athletes in tennis? Does he actually not know why we have had few black NFL quarterbacks until recently? Does he actually believe that affirmative action is a program to approve incompetence?

Did he listen to his own words (hopefully there were some printer’s errors) when he talks down to blacks saying “they have to work hard in order to help themselves,” “they have to be willing to start at the bottom and not expect to receive handouts,” and “all blacks should take a lesson from basketball players in the inner city who practice continuously to be the best”?

Dave’s first assignment should be an essay on why such statements are racist, how he was influenced to think and write in such a manner, and what would be an appropriate apology. The Northern Star must sensitize its staff to issues of institutionalized racism. The university must find a way to integrate into the core curriculum some essential understanding of the human rights struggle and what constitutes racism in American culture. The country needs leaders that model passion for human rights. One place to develop such leaders could be NIU, and The Northern Star could play a key part.

John G. Peterson

Campus Minister

Baptist Campus Ministry