Granted, a few isolated forums, known as the T.G.I.F. Series, focusing upon many of last year's issues are scheduled to take place. However, the ability of these forums to stimulate the same type of involvement as a campus wide email message is questionable. The bitter truth is, both on this campus and beyond, that things which are currently most prevalent are dealt with, leaving other matters on the periphery. Much as the Clinton administration has abandoned overhauling the health care system in favor of more politically popular agendas such as education and tax laws, Bates students will allow this discussion to fade from the forefront.

This is also true for Bates, as incidents related to gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation will continue to emerge as students from vastly different backgrounds interact on this campus. It is unreasonable to assume that every student who attends Bates will have a working knowledge of other cultures and their subsequent perspectives. On the individual level, each student must make the effort to contribute, question, and learn from their peers. It is this interaction, much like that which occurred last year, which will foster new understanding.

Undoubtedly, this was the intent behind providing each entering student with a copy of Cornel West's book: Race Matters. His presence on the Bates campus this afternoon signifies the power within the student body to demand that such critical matters are focused upon. Realistically, would the class of 2001 received West's book had last year's email message and subsequent campus uproar not have taken place? Possibly, but the incident itself, at the very least, can be seen as a contributing factor.

West's presence on this campus should attract the entire student body, as the issues he addresses affect all citizens of a pluralistic society, whether a tiny college or a large country. More than likely, seats will be vacant, and with the vacant seats lies the core of the problem. Capitalize on the opportunity to tackle these issues in the here and now, as they will arise with increasing regularity.