NAACP- the way it is

NAACP- the way it is

Helping black students find acceptance on campus.

This article from the November 5, 1968 Quad Angles newspaper provides an interesting inference from the outside on the NAACP group on campus.

Diane Grundy

Quad Angles

Special Collections, Francis Harvey Green Library, West Chester University

November 5, 1968

Amanda Rodriguez

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https://digital.klnpa.org/digital/collection/wcnp01/id/13583/rec/21

NAACP - the way it is By DIANE GRUNDY Most college students are aware of the function and activities of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) throughout the country, and probably most of all the progress and changes it has helped to institute in the South. Yet, have we ever considered the purpose and function of our college chapter of the NAACP? If so, maybe you perceived it as an esoteric club allowing the two per cent black population of this college to become the majority instead of the minority for one hour on alternate Monday evenings. Maybe you envisioned it as a racist organization that advocates that black and only black is best. Or maybe you haven't even given It a second thought. But to you that revere the NAACP as a student association progressively assimilating its minority members into a majority student body which culturally and ethnically different, then I confirm your reasoning as being sound, for the NAACP literally upholds its title--an association for the advancement of colored people--and not an association of colored people. The integrated college chapter Is seeking to fulfill its objectives in terms of helping the black student find acceptance on this campus without losing his identity. It is not hard for one to be accepted by any majority if one alters his patterns of behavior and ways of thinking to be congruent to those of the majority. But the real challange Is to be accepted for what you are--nothing more and nothing less. One of the major goals of the NAACP is to promote human relations on our campus. To truly achieve this goal would require 100% student, faculty, and administrative cooperation. For inasmuch as the club would like to see its goal fulfilled, its members can only do their fair share. Neither can the responsibility be left upon the College Human Relations Council to achieve a task which concerns and involves all. How can human relations on our campus be evaluated or measured? In terms of respect for the other person's rights, beliefs, and property, I would say. Definite progress has been made during the last year. For no longer are the signs announcing our club meetings and activities defaced, spat upon, and torn down. There is an increasing number of students and faculty members helping us to achieve our goals. There are more NAACP club members becoming involved and supporting other campus functions and organizations. But we still witness ugly remarks, chants, slogans, and signs humiliating our visiting sister college, Cheyney State, at home basketball games. Apathy, avoidance, and negative attitudes displayed towards not only black students but towards anyone who is different from the mass indicates a definite need for improvement. Maybe this is not an indication of prejudice but merely a sign of immaturity on the parts of those who spitefully and openly display their feelings and hostility. Without a harmonious student relationship as a state college we cannot expect such relationships as a university. The name change and status acquired can not do it alone. Therefore, let us collectively endeavor to attain a wholesome domestic atmosphere which will be a precedent for future years.