Students who protested racial intolerance this week gained a measure of support last night as the University Student Advisory Board voted to endorse a proposed rally next week.

Arthur Costantino, director of the Center for Student Involvement, told USAB last night the administration will sponsor a rally for the victims of racial intolerance during the last few days. The rally, entitled "Speak out against prejudice," will be held in front of Old Main at noon either Feb. 21 or Feb. 22 and will be sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement, the Office of Religious Affairs and Campus Life, he said.

"This is a rally where students can express their support for those victimized in the last few weeks," Costantino said. "We are trying to prevent people offended by racism from being silent."

USAB voted unanimously to support the rally and help in distributing flyers advertising it. However, several USAB members voiced reservations about the rally.

"We don't want the actions of some people (who commit acts of intolerance) sneaking around in the night to set the tone for the whole University population," Council of Commonwealth Student Governments coordinator Tony Bottino said. Bottino expressed concern that the rally would encourage other racist actions by drawing attention to them.

Costantino said the rally is intended "to be complementary to other actions" rather than replacing them. USAB Adviser Craig A. Millar told USAB members that the rally should not be used as an excuse for individual student organizations' apathy.

Millar, an associate vice president for student services, said he doesn't believe the protests will adversely affect the University's minority enrollment and retention efforts. "The protest is not necessarily aimed (at the University)," he said. "This is a recommitment to the principles they've been talking about throughout the year."

"Unfortunately, I think the protests will hurt (minority recruitment and retention)," said Ken Martin, Graduate Student Association president. "I can't see how it can help."

In other business, James Dungan, senior director of Facilities Resource Management, told the board about various construction projects at the University, including the plans for a Pollock fields classroom building.