Passionate energy filled the Rosa Parks conference room Thursday night as the International Socialist Organization hosted a conference called "Racism and Resistance in the U.S. Today".

The ISO held the public forum in response to the Jena 6 situation, addressing racism in today’s society and public institutions. They called for an immediate release of the Jena 6.

“It’s not about a fair trial, not about justice in the courts–because we know that doesn’t happen. The demand is to free the Jena 6,” said Sid Patel, an ISO member who led the discussion.

The discussion was filled with powerful audience outcry and was not short of cursing and raised voices. The crowd of about 50 people grew emotional and shouted words of agreement and disgust.

“The atmosphere in the room was intense,” said Liset Mendoza, 18, a creative writing major.

“I wish we could make it an all day event. I want to know what we can do to change and what opportunities I have,” said Mendoza.

A picture of a black man hanging dead from a noose was passed around the room. As each person held it, they sighed and groaned their feelings.

“We have to look at the historical factors that make racism exist today,” said Nihar Bhatt, a math student at SF State.

The discussion focused on what they saw as racism within governmental institutions that only further perpetuated racist thinking.

“The government would rather open prisons than fund colleges. The criminal justice system locks up people of color so the public thinks the minorities are responsible for crime,” said Patel.

Michael Hoffman, who teaches remedial math at SF State, said a lot of his students are women of color and he notices what he views as the effects of racism.

“The biggest thing I notice is that they are constantly doubting themselves. I sit with them and they know math, they know how to do it, but they doubt themselves,” said Hoffman.

SF State student Tracey Enskip attended a high school in Oakland and saw what she feels are the problems within the institutions.

“You have to look at the (corrupt) issues like No Child Left Behind, the fact that there are no ethnic studies programs in schools, and no money to fund the education system,” said Enskip, 17, a communications major.

Patel is appreciative of the protests and outcry occurring in the town of Jena, LA.

“We should be right there shoulder to shoulder with them. I wish something like that would go on around here,” said Patel.

“We have to organize ourselves and fight for the change,” said Hoffman.

Mendoza feels she is doing her part by telling her peers when racist comments are not appropriate.

“I can teach other people more tolerance," said Mendoza.

This small interaction is what Patel feels makes the most difference.

“Those small struggles are what gives shape to something truly natural. Give them attention and push them as far as they can go,” said Patel.