I, along with other members of the DeKalb Human Relations Commission, am greatly disturbed to see the increase in racially motivated incidents on the NIU campus. I urge university officials to take a strong stance against the harassment of black or other students because of their color, sex, or religion. Any student or university employee who violates the judicial or ethical codes of the university should be punished to the fullest extent allowed.

A university campus is a place for the free exchange of ideas; however, the kind of hate-mongering demonstrated in Stump and the fliers placed on the Huskie buses cannot be condoned. These go well beyond the free exchange of ideas and are, indeed, in the realm of racism. Racism interferes with this free exchange and, therefore, the educational process; this cannot be allowed on a university campus.

It also has been brought to my attention racial incidents which have resulted in physical abuse have occurred on the campus. No student, black or white, should have to be afraid to freely move about the campus or community. Students who are found to participate in the physical harassment should be summarily suspended or expelled. There is no place for the physical harassment of students whether initiated by white students toward blacks or black students toward whites.

Again, I urge the university officials to take a strong public stance on these issues and concerns. The Human Relations Commission stands ready to assist in any way it can.

Alfonzo Thurman

chairman

DeKalb human relations commission