Undergraduate Student Government granted SIUC’s Nation of Islam Student Association Registered Student Organization Oct. 15. That action met with strong opposition from some members of the SIUC community. Opponents believe the RSO espouses violent, racist rhetoric toward whites and Jews and discriminates against these groups concerning its membership.

This block of opposition believes NOISA does not deserve RSO status. But they are wrong, because this RSO only provides the same service for its members that other RSOs provide for their members. NOISA provides an organization of fellowship for students with the same beliefs. And these beliefs are primarily based on spirituality, not racism.

USG Internal Affairs Committee Chairwoman Connie Howard says there is nothing in the group’s constitution that would prevent it from becoming an RSO. In reviewing the group’s constitution for RSO consideration, USG did find that NOISA members were bound to one of two exclusionary stipulations:1.) A registered NOISA member must subscribe to the teachings of Elijah Muhammad through his representative Louis Farrakhan, or 2.) NOISA members can act as patrons who study, sympathize with and pledge to support the Muhammad through Farrakhan, as well as support the Muslim program, the teachings of the Qur’an and the truths of the Bible.

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Note the absence of expressed racist ideology in the group’s membership guidelines.

Still, those opposed to the NOISA’s RSO status maintain that Muhammad’s support through Farrakhan which is specifically stressed is enough to signal the group’s true racism-fueled violent beliefs.

David Waren, a regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, acknowledges there are no known incidents of violence by the group. But those opposed to the NOISA still argue that racist remarks associated with Farrakhan have not been retracted or apologized for by Farrakhan himself. While it is unfortunate that those remarks were said in the first place and forever may be associated with the Nation Of Islam Farrakhan, to his credit, is trying to distance the NOI from them. He recently took the opportunity to meet with the mayor of Chicago where NOI headquarters are located and discussed ways to make connections with the Jewish people of that city.

Opponents still believe the RSO’s association with Farrakhan should prevent SIUC students who are members of the Nation of Islam from organizing a group that can provide a support system, skills bank and spiritual guidance for them away from home.

Other organizations whether they are religious, political, fraternal or other special interest organizations all are regularly permitted RSO status on this campus. All RSOs, including NOISA, have the right to apply for available funding through student activity fees.

Membership to most of these organizations are exclusive, meaning that any SIUC student can become a member if he or she subscribes to the group’s beliefs. A Democrat may not want to become a member of the College Republicans. An atheist may not want to join Black Student Ministries. Likewise, a student who does not subscribe to the teachings of Muhammad through Farrakhan may not want to join NOISA.

But it is important that students who do share similar beliefs be afforded the opportunity to join the groups they are interested in providing that they do not promote violence or racism and do promote equal opportunity. Illinois law requires university RSOs to follow this guideline.

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And in accordance with that Illinois guideline, there also are NOISA chapters at Northern Illinois University, Northwestern University and the University of Illinois. There are more than 25 NOISA chapters at campuses nationwide.

Likewise, student members of the NOI or students merely interested in the NOI should have the NOISA as a resource at SIUC. Opponents should cease criticizing USG, because USG made the right decision.

And because NOISA meetings are open to everyone, maybe all opposed should attend those meetings to find out more about the organization. Educating ourselves this way is better than just espousing more dangerous and divisive rhetoric.