Ever thought twice about what activities you participate in during Homecoming?

According to a Chicago Tribune article from Nov. 3, the University of Illinois has two homecomings: one general homecoming sponsored by the university and an African-American homecoming put on by the Black Student Union.

The second homecoming is held due to feelings of exclusion from the rest of the university.

“I agree and disagree with the statement that I feel excluded from the U of I community,” said Nicholas Ambrose, senior creative writing major at Illinois and an active member of the black fraternity Phi Delta Phi.

Ambrose said he asks if schools have programs tailored to African-American males.

As someone who has experience with the African-American homecoming at Illinois, Marlon Haywood, Campus Activities Board president, does not see a separation of students. He has attended the Illinois homecoming with Phi Rho Eta fraternity.

“I don’t see homecoming at U of I as segregated,” Haywood said. “African-American homecoming is a tradition from a time when there were no events available for African-American students. [The events] are still open to everyone.”

Haywood went on to explain that just because an ethnic organization puts on an event doesn’t mean it is segregated. It’s the organization putting on an event that people of that culture would particularly enjoy.

Students feeling excluded on their own campus is unfortunate. Universities try their best to incorporate all, but inevitably minorities fall through the cracks sometimes when it comes to embracing everyone’s culture.

Haywood’s advice to those students who feel excluded: Get involved.

“I felt that I made friends through organizations,” Haywood said. “If I needed someone, I could give them a call. It helped me stay motivated.”

NIU also takes steps to include everyone. According to Haywood, CAB attempts to schedule events that everyone enjoys.

“Inclusiveness is main goal of NIU, to make something for everyone,” Haywood said.

Ambrose said small experiences help a campus move forward. While some cultures are better incorporated than others, overall universities attempt to include all students and make school seem more like a community.