Students begin learning about the civil rights movement as early as middle school. Tonight students will discuss whether or not the current gay rights movement is comparable to the initiative of the 1950s and 1960s that brought racial segregation to the forefront of the American consciousness.

This talk will help to build discussion between two historically divided and sometimes conflicting groups. Some of that conflict, according to a social work professor, is the result of a lack of acceptance of the members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning community by the black community because of religious reasons.

Students attending should use the information provided to determine whether or not there are parallels between the two movements and if there are, then understanding what those parallels might imply.

Events in the future would also help to foster discussion between the two groups, as well as other members of campus who may want to learn more about both the civil rights and the gay rights movements.

The movement of the 1950s and 1960s changed the face of America. Discussions like the ones tonight may lead to a movement that will continue that change.

Editor-in-chief Libby Davis for the editorial board.