As the Student Association Speaker of the Senate, one of my jobs is to be spokesperson for the student body. There has never been a better reason for me to speak than at the anti-racism rally held the Thursday before spring break. Over 1000 students, faculty and town residents showed up to give their support in our fight to eradicate racism here on our campus. Often I heard people ask, what else can we do, how can we continue the fight?

One of the first battles on our agenda should be getting the NIU Foundation to divest from any holdings they have in South Africa. Our school presently is accepting money from a foundation that makes a profit from the oppression of people based upon the color of their skin. As long as we let this continue we are ignoring a major part of our problem.

Later this month, on a recommendation from their investment committee, the Board of the NIU Foundation will vote on whether or not to divest from South Africa. This is a step in the right direction. There is, however, more that we can do. On Wednesday, March 18, the Board of Regents for NIU will be meeting here in the Holmes Student Center. By showing up at this meeting, by demanding some action or statement from our Board of Regents, we can show the Foundation our disapproval of their current investments. Remember, it is not the job of just our student regent or the job of just a few students. The task of eliminating racism on our campus is the job of all students.

It is only through some sort of action that those of you who abhor racism will be heard. This is your chance.

Karen Seymour

speaker of the senate