Panel members discussed issues facing those who are a part of minority group during a Collective Stories and Cultural Experiences on Wednesday.

The panel, led by Phinette T. Maszka of Affirmative Action and Diversity Resources, talked about invisible minorities and what they face.

“It’s not the experts telling you what to believe and what to value, it’s a dialogue,” Maszka said.

Laurie Zittel, a professor in the department of kinesiology and physical education, said the word “access” often is misused because people most likely think of it referring to architecture.

“Access is very narrow when it comes to disability,” Zittel said.

She said people should think about access in terms of benefits or services.

Charles E. Schumann Jr., project manager for ITS/ NIUTel, added that many people learn to adapt in order to access.

“Access to those things in a given society becomes not a right, but a privilege,” Schumann said.

The panelists discussed what they felt people viewed as privileges. They said the government might say certain issues are a privilege, but it feels that it should be more like a right.

Also, the group talked about invisibility and how they try to overcome it.

Samuel-Louis Bandy, a Spanish graduate assistant and president of NATIONS, spoke about struggles Native Americans have with the government. He said if two Native Americans from two different groups marry, their child would only be considered half Native American.

Bandy also explained how some Native Americans have many different heritages and it’s hard to check only one box on surveys.

“The government controls the people that are here with little boxes,” Bandy said.

Louise Steeves, a senior communication major, explained her struggle with attending NIU.

Immigration laws wouldn’t allow Steeves, who is from Canada, to enter the school without being regarded as an international student. Steeves told them she was in a relationship with an American person and they told her to get married.

School administrators did eventually help her, Steeves said. Although Steeves was able to come to NIU, it took a long time for her to provide the documentation.

“There’s still no precedence; the next person in my shoes will have to do the same thing,” Steeves said.

After the panel discussion, each person in the room gave a statement as to what the terms meant to them and what they learned.

“There were many groups and organizations here that represent NIU,” Maszka said. “I think it’s a topic that needs further conversation and dialogue; it’s something we need to keep working toward.”