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WPSU-FM explores race relations
	Penn State Public Broadcasting’s public radio station WPSU-FM has embarked on a long-term multifaceted exploration of race relations at Penn State and in the surrounding communities.   WPSU aired the first live Race Matters program in November. Penn State’s public television station WPSX-TV also is simulcasting the programs live.   The first program explored racial and ethnic stereotypes and their impact on individuals living in America. Guests included Dr. Beverly Vandiver, associate professor of counseling psychology; Dr. Cary Fraser, assistant professor of African and African-American studies and acting head of the Africana Research Center; Dr. Timothy Gianotti, assistant professor of religious studies; and Motaz El Fahal, secretary of the Islamic Society of Central Pennsylvania. Cindi Deutschman-Ruiz, producer of Race Matters, moderated the discussion of racial identity and race relations with Vandiver and Fraser. Gianotti and El Fahal shared their thoughts on the experiences of America’s Muslim and Arab communities since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.   Other Race Matters programs have focused on race and ethnicity in Pennsylvania, historically and in the present, and race education in schools, the media and families.   Race Matters includes six hour-long specials airing over nine months, as well as a series of first-person narratives, produced by a racially diverse group of Penn State students, and commentaries (radio editorials) by members of the University community and area residents.   The project will conclude this summer with an hour-long radio documentary.   “This project exemplifies WPSU’s commitment to examining issues of fundamental concern to our listeners as citizens of the United States and residents of central Pennsylvania,” Roy Gerritsen, WPSU station manager, said.   As part of Race Matters, WPSU encouraged Penn State students, faculty, staff and members of the community to share their own experiences and thoughts on race — informally, in comments to project staff members, or more formally, through radio commentaries. WPSU also invited graduate and undergraduate students to join the narrator team.   Deutschman-Ruiz said although Race Matters had been in the planning stages for months prior to the events of Sept. 11, the project has taken on additional meaning since then.   “Reports from around the country have been describing intimidation of and attacks against people who are or may appear to be Muslim or Arab,” she said. “Clearly, America continues its struggles with racial and ethnic stereotyping and presumption. Discussing these issues is as necessary now as ever before.”