[Editor’s note: the word lenth for this letter has been waived]

Race and religion aren’t comparable

The difference between race and religion is that one is an unchangeable fact of being and the other is a belief system, an ideology that invites the possibility of change throughout one’s life.  For many individuals that belong to a minority group here in the United States constant opposition is the norm as they attempt to progress within the hierarchy of class by utilizing education as a means out of harsh environments. Although within these communities members share a sense of solidarity and a desire to preserve their culture, many encounter problems with main stream society in their pursuit. 

Understanding the distinct differences of race and religion could diminish the constant attacks that individuals receive from main stream society on a regular basis and those that Native-American students have been facing recently. Here at NCSU, we, as the student body and the administration, pride ourselves on the diversity that our institution embraces. It is this that makes the learning experience more viable and fulfilling, thus leading to well-rounded professionals upon graduation.

To come to NCSU was an honor to me. I knew that by coming to such a prestigious institution I would be challenged personally and academically. Never did I imagine that my ethnicity would become the hardest personal challenge I would have to face. My culture is the core of my being, it reminds me of my past, present and future in multiple ways and I pride myself with being able to express my heritage here at NCSU and receive the same in return from others.

I become personally offended when I see that the place of Native-Americans here at NCSU is a topic of concern, not concern for the constructive attributes we bring to the campus as a whole but more directly questioning our place here. To justify the reasons of the administration to understand our needs and desires by allocating funds for a position to better assist Native American students is an insult. The comparison of my ethnicity to a religious belief is erroneous and a sad attempt to shine light on one group by attacking another. The decision made by the administration to hire someone for Native-American students in such harsh economical times speaks highly to the dedication and initiatives the University wishes to take to increase the numbers of Native-American students. 

With understanding the premises behind this move, there should not be constant reminders of the small numbers of Native-Americans on this campus today. To see a positive increase in the numbers, Native students must first feel welcomed prior to coming to campus to visit and though we may appear small in numbers here at NCSU, we are more powerful and influential to the progression of our culture here at this institution than many give us credit for. I speak highly of this University to peers and their family members because I want to see more Native students venture out and experience the joys that I have experienced here at NCSU but I will not lie to them when asked about facing adversity and opposition when it is so bluntly expressed in news articles relentlessly.

So instead of trying to undermine our being and adding negativity to our culture and main stream stereotypes, the Technician and other media outlets should embrace our being so that racial discrimination does not once again be labeled.   

Roger Locklear

senior, public relations

Mudslinging has no place  in campaigns

As campaign season is now in full swing on campus, we are presented with a great opportunity to better understand student concerns and hear a variety of different candidates’ ideas on how we can make the University a better place. This is a unique time when we can all come together and decide what direction we want our school to move in going forward.

Unfortunately, one of my opponents in the student body presidential race chose the politics of division over the politics of unity with comments made in Technician Monday. I find candidate Kornelius Bascombe’s arbitrary claim that my campaign supporters are tearing down his campaign signs to be in poor taste and unbecoming of an individual who wishes to be our next student body president. Given the harsh weather conditions of the past days, the known problems with sign vandalism from skateboarders and others in the past, and the fact that there are four other candidates running for student body president besides Kornelius and myself, it is unfair to single out my supporters and place blame for sign destruction solely on their shoulders. I have spoken personally to each person who has helped with my campaign thus far, and none have reported participating in any sign vandalism.

I, too, feel that Kornelius is a “good and honest guy.” But I refuse to remain silent when my campaign or our supporters are unfair targets of unsubstantiated attacks. We have pledged to run a clean campaign and we will continue to do so as this campaign moves forward. I sincerely hope that the other candidates in this race will pledge to do so as well.

Jim Ceresnak

junior, political science

student body president candidate