It concerns me that the principles of the Coalition of Racial Ethnic Students, or CORES, organizations — which tend to fall in line with uplifting the marginalized groups they represents — are still being misconstrued as having racist superiority complexes. This assumes groups are actively working only for the betterment of their particular culture, while somehow oppressing other cultures.

It’s also laughable that we’re even comparing the existence of these groups to institutional, state-sponsored racism. No CORES group marginalizes another group with the tax dollars they receive on this campus.

Any grant money, scholarships or study abroad opportunities that come directly from the programs are available for anyone regardless of race, or have we forgotten we outlawed affirmative action measures promoting discrimination? Likening these things to such atrocities as constitutionally sponsored racism and internment camps isn’t just silly — it’s insulting to the history of the oppressed in this country.

Trying to argue that “promoting unity, academic success, cultural and political awareness in order to strengthen and uplift the black community” at MSU is a separatist, racist agenda by the Black Student Alliance (one of Freitag’s examples), falls short of the true reason why the program was instituted in the first place.

In the decades not too far in the past, where segregation was an overwhelming reality for many blacks, programs like the Black Student Alliance were instituted to offer fellowship and constructive pathways for those students to overcome racial injustice. Furthermore, what truly makes such an organization work is the continued efforts between the groups to familiarize minorities to the issues within each other’s cultures.

Having meetings that cater to an ethnic culture are meant as a measure of education, not exclusion.

By highlighting specific issues within their communities, CORES groups serve as an arena for people to learn about them. CORES groups often collaborate amongst themselves so members can cross the racial boundaries Freitag suggests are put up by their existence.

What it boils down to is a lack of motivation for people to step out of their comfort zones and actually attend one of the meetings they seemingly don’t understand.

When I was a student leader with the Multi-Racial Unity Living Experience, or MRULE, I often attended meetings of CORES groups outside of BSA and never once did I experience the racism Freitag hints at in his column. I did, however, strengthen my ability to connect with these cultures by discussing issues they deemed important and bridge the gap between our communities.

Turning a blind eye to race does nothing to overturn the injustices caused by its existence. It’s easy to request we wipe the slate clean when your culture doesn’t have to assimilate itself at large for such a thing to happen.

The solution is not for these groups to cease operations — but for more people to take the initiative to come out and make their voice and opinions on race known. Race is a social construct that isn’t likely to die any time soon, so acting oblivious to its structure and societal implications is a recourse we can do without.

Unfortunately, most of us will choose to use meaningless terms such as “reverse racism” without even attempting to make that connection.

So I challenge Freitag or anyone who agrees with his sentiments to attend a future MRULE or CORES group meeting and actively work towards winning fight against true racism on campus, which is as simple as voicing your opinion on whether you like or dislike their initiative.

It’s a challenge to make your voice heard and not let uninformed hearsay prove to be the most divisive line between us.

Jahshua Smith is a State News columnist and journalism senior. Reach him at smithjah@msu.edu.