On the surface there seems to be no prejudice at Maine West; but if someone would open his eyes, the prejudice now existing would be overwhelming.

Take a physical education class for example. How many overweight students are shunned and laughed at behind their backs? How many of us turn around and say, "No, I wouldn't do that! Why some of my best friends are . . . ." We do it; we all do it.

How many nice boys are turned down for dates because they are overweight or have acne? Girls, too, are avoided because "Who wants to be seen with a fat girl?" Why it would just ruin you for life; wouldn't it?

Then there is the mental aspect of prejudice. Whether you are aware of it or not, prejudice can cause an inferiority complex. If a person is continually run down by others, he will withdraw and compensate for his hurt by eating. This will cause more acne, and more pounds will be gained.

Instead of a continual running down of people, we could reverse the process and try to build someone's ego. Try doing unto others and encouraging them to improve themselves.

We at Maine have been fortunate in that we have had no racial outbursts of troubles in our school. This does not mean, however, that we are above such incidents.

Integration of the school has gone smoothly. The Negro students have been accepted. We should be grateful because no conflicts have arisen.

Prejudice at Maine is limited, but the fact is that there is a certain type of prejudice. It is not black versus white. It is black against black, white against white, people against people.

Prejudice is an all‑over happening which affects and is practiced by all, whether or not they admit it.