April 26, 2001

PENN STATE ANNOUNCES PLAN FOR DIVERSITY INITIATIVES

University Park, Pa. – The Penn State University administration has announced a plan for expanding its diversity programs. The release of the plan incorporates a number of suggestions from student leaders in the Black Caucus, who in the end were not in agreement with some elements of the plan.

“Several parts of the plan have been under development during this academic year,” said President Graham Spanier. Other aspects of the plan include ideas offered by student leaders more recently. “Students contributed greatly to the discussion leading to these initiatives,” added Spanier. “Penn State and the Commonwealth will be well served by these efforts to enhance diversity,” said Spanier.

“Some of the ideas proposed by student leaders were not workable as presented, but I am confident that the elements of the plan announced today will be seen as a great step forward for Penn State,” said Rodney Erickson, Executive Vice President and Provost.

The Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus contributed suggestions following a recent visit to campus by three of its members.

The initiatives outlined will, among other things, establish an Africana Studies Research Center within the College of Liberal Arts. More support is planned for the African-African American Studies Department. The increased staffing is planned to support the additional enrollments in this department that is expected following a review of the University’s existing diversity requirement, which is part of the current general education requirement.

“The outline calls for strengthening the role of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity position at Penn State, and I am immensely pleased with the opportunity this will provide us to enhance and mainstream our diversity efforts,” said Terrell Jones, who currently holds that position.

“I was impressed with the tenacity and commitment shown by African American student leaders and a broad coalition of faculty, staff and community leaders who have spoken up as a powerful voice on these issues,” Spanier said. “We join that chorus.”

For complete text of the diversity plan go to http://www.psu.edu/ur/2001/diversityplan.html

Contact: Steve MacCarthy, Office of University Relations, (814) 865-7517
Bill Mahon, Department of Public Information, (814) 865-7517