Want proof evolution doesn’t exist’ Nevermind all the monkey-to-man science backing it up or creation stories disputing it.

The real proof can be found on the streets we walk every day. Racism, more than 40 years after the country pushed through landmark civil rights

legislation, is still very real.

Until a few days ago, Southern Illinois University-sponsored groups were a contributor to the downward spiral.

The federal government stepped in after it found three minority fellowships at SIU deliberately excluded groups outside the respective minority and did not allow others to take part in the activities.

These groups are based on culture, and culture is one of the most wonderful gifts humanity has. The unique nature of the world’s diverse cultures gives society depth, a reason to explore and more importantly, provides a distraction for humanity’s seemingly endless store of curiosity. Put simply, life would be pretty boring without culture.

So it’s safe to assume that individuals, at some random moment, are going to feel an impulse of curiosity to learn something different, perhaps of another race or gender. Until a short bit ago, those students at SIU might have been out of luck.

The government is forcing SIU’s clubs and fellowships to open doors to all. There are tons of interests in the world and the desire to understand the unknown should never be discouraged.

These clubs are created to celebrate the unique nature of many cultures and they ultimately share an even greater goal: to answer questions.

And hopefully, some day, the education these groups teach in their own classrooms will one day reach the curriculum of general education.

Our voice

The staff editorial represents the opinion of the Northern Star’s editorial board, which includes the editor in chief, managing editor, voices editor, campus editor and city editor.