Daily Egyptian

Stereotyping 101 and Respect Each Other 101 would be part of the core curriculum if Joe Feagin were in charge of the education system.

The Texas A&M University Liberal Arts professor was at SIUC Monday speaking on "Where and How Whites Still do Racism," a study of how racism still exists despite a popular belief that it is on the decline.

"Virtually all popular opinion polls show a decrease in white racial thought," Feagin said. "Open your eyes, look around and honestly tell me racism is easing."

Feagin presented findings of a research project that involved more than 1,000 white and black college students throughout the country who kept a 12-week journal detailing daily encounters with racism. Out of 15,000 accounts, about 10,000 detailed run-ins with racist actions.

Feagin, who has composed 48 textbooks and nearly 200 scholarly articles related to civil issues, said today's universities could be key in erasing decades of racial tensions among whites and blacks. He said colleges should establish courses on racism history and aspects of stereotyping.

"We certainly need more public discussion when it comes to racism in this country," he said. "The educational system is essential in teaching even the basics of stereotyping."

Associate Provost Thomas Calhoun asked Feagin if most students would view such proposed core classes as "irrelevant" or "just another stepping stone to graduation." Feagin replied that he believed most students would be inspired to strive for a difference if they were exposed to such material in the classroom.

Curtis Sehy, a freshman studying radio and television from Effingham, said he thought the idea of racial issues being taught in college was a good idea. Sehy heard of the speech in his Black American Experience class and was glad he went.

"That was really an eye opener," he said.

The occasional death threat and hate mail from white supremacists have followed Feagin in his 43-year career of campaigning for and teaching about civil rights. Feagin said he has encountered much criticism for his role as a white man advocating for equality.

He said he would never back down and said he hopes others will push for civil harmony.

"It's courageous Americans who've always brought change," Feagin said. "You don't get change without courage."