DeKALB | Students of all colors and backgrounds met last night in Douglas Hall to discuss racism at a forum referred to as “Erasing Racism: Embracing Humanity.”

The forum featured a panel of five NIU students representing different races on campus and moderator Willard Draper, former director of Residential Life. It was sponsored by the International House, in observance of International Week.

A common theme for the night resonated with the idea that racism is driven by fear.

“One of the things we are trying to do here tonight is attack ignorance,” Draper said during his opening speech.

The evening began with the panel discussing sentiments regarding the members’ first memories of contact with racism.

“It seems like when I talk to someone of a different race than my own they don’t know how to handle it,” said Omonike Ayorinde, a junior pre-veterinarian major who sat on the panel as an African-American representative.

In addition to addressing race issues between blacks and whites, the forum discussed the changing dynamic of racism in the United States.

“In the 20th century, race really was black and white,” Draper said. “Those days are over.”

Issues of personal responsibility regarding racism resonated throughout the room.

“Perception is reality,” Draper said. “Notice that there is nothing about truth there. Do all the white people eat together in the cafeteria or do all the black people eat together?”

Ulysses Diaz, a sophomore sociology major on the panel representing the Latino community, recognized the importance of seeing racism as a frame of mind instead of an inherent quality.

“There’s no DNA code for race,” Diaz said.

Ideas regarding stereotypes between individuals gathered some snickers from the panel and audience, as well as brought to mind some important discussion points among those in the crowd.

Hyo Jeon, a freshman business major sitting on the panel representing the Asian community, discussed the stereotype of Asians being smart.

“Go to any country in Asia and you will see the crime, and the stupid people, the smart people, the corrupt people,” Jeon said, to try to show the audience that class diversity and diversity in education exist everywhere.

The evening concluded with possible solutions for halting racism. Mentioned were taking personal responsibility for one’s mistakes and misperceptions as well as learning the unique histories of different cultures.

“Instead of getting angry,” Diaz said when addressing the oppressive histories many cultures have experienced, “start healing.”