The First Amendment to the Constitution is one many people hold dear. Among the freedoms guaranteed in this amendment is the right to peaceably assemble.

And people across the country, especially students, should do just that when the Supreme Court soon hands down its ruling in the University of Michigan affirmative action case. A violent reaction to an unfavorable decision is the last thing a university needs.

Around the nation students are anxiously awaiting the ruling from Washington. Their voice is an important force of change in our society. And even though factions on both sides of the issue are ready to explode at any moment, everyone should understand violence is counterproductive.

The Supreme Court ruling, on the surface, is about race. Nine men and women are deciding whether or not a university is allowed to consider race in its admissions. This doesn't only include blacks, but also Chicanos and Latinos, Arab Americans, Asians and many others.

But it's not just a race issue.

Historically, events which involve racial ramifications have turned violent.Demonstrations during the civil rights movement, although peaceful in nature, were ended forcibly by authorities. Race riots swept the nation during the 1960s.

Even the O.J. Simpson trial, which began simply as a criminal proceeding, during its course mingled with the issue of race in this country.

The most important thing people in our society can do to make their point effectively is to avoid violence. There are so many avenues that offer alternatives to violence. They include writing legislators, making signs and holding demonstrations. Arguably the greatest freedom Americans enjoy is the freedom of speech - the ability to voice one's opinion.

And violence is no way for people to respect one's voice, regardless of what they have to say.

The nonviolent effort also is a good opportunity for universities, such as MSU, to step in and offer viable ways for people to discuss the issue of affirmative action in a peaceful, intelligent way.

Discussion forums are sometimes the best manner in which people can learn the aspects of an issue and the viewpoints held by people of different backgrounds and areas of expertise.

If people feel there is no outlet to express themselves, their emotions and ideas are bottled up. The repression of those feelings can only lead to negative results, the worst of which is violent confrontation.

Unlike so many Supreme Court rulings, this one will directly impact the MSU community and so many others around the state and country. Therefore, it is of great importance that fresh, open dialogue take place between people of these communities so that the ruling, once it is decided, can be understood and dealt with in a positive manner.

Another freedom guaranteed in the First Amendment is the right to petition the government "for a redress of grievances." It doesn't say violence is the answer.

We certainly don't want another riot on our hands.