Students discuss role of white male

Associate Vice Provost for University Life Larry Moneta facilitated a discussion on white males' role in a multi-cultural society Monday night in Kings Court. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the Racial Harassment Policy, affirmative action and the existence of quotas, as well as students' fear that being white males will prevent them from finding a job. "I am not going to hire somebody who is less qualified as a matter of color," Moneta said. "I will go the extra distance to make sure women and people of color [have access to job information.]" But Nursing sophomore Mark Schmitz said he believes there is a need for quotas, although they should not be based on race. "There should be quotas on economic status, not on race, " Schmitz said. "[Selection should not be] an issue of race, it is an issue of money." The discussion tended to wander through many topics, but Social Work graduate student Darren Wade, who organized the discussion, said he felt it was productive. "It was a successful program because people felt safe enough here to dialogue about the issues of race and gender," he said. "I think all the people were able to articulate their viewpoints honestly and with emotion. "There were times with a lot of passion in the statements and that was OK," he added. College senior Sima Shapiro, however, complained that the discussion never got to the main point. She said it left her still wondering, "What do we think white males should do? They do have a role in society, but how?"