Some students and University officials agree that the distribution of 500 buttons with the slogan "United Against Racism" Wednesday by the Office of Public Information is not a solution to racist attitudes, but it is an initial step in fighting the problem.

"You've got to make it clear every day of the year that you won't tolerate racism or bigotry," said Bill Mahon, director of Public Information.

He stressed that wearing a button or putting up a banner will not eradicate the problem. "Symbols are important but they're not enough."

Students in the Black Caucus office and lobby discussed the effort yesterday.

"I don't think the button helps anything, but maybe the idea behind it does." said one woman, who asked to remain anonymous.

One student addressed the availability of the buttons, an effort which he identified as "well-intended but misguided."

"Who the hell goes to Old Main on a regular basis? They should have been put at the HUB desk," he said.

"Strategically, they could have put them in better places," agreed another.

Other students pointed out that the probability of seeing one of the 500 buttons among the University population was small.

"It's nice to see the button, but something else has to be done," said another woman in the office who wished to remain anonymous.

One thousand more are expected before the end of next week due to the great demand and are available through the Office of Public Information, he said.

"We passed them out to a couple of University officials at Old Main. When I came back a few hours later, they were gone," Mahon said.

"It's really a wide diversity of people that want to say something," Mahon added, referring to the population who requested the buttons.

Another student said the only people who knew about the buttons were those who dealt with the administration on a regular basis. He added that the University did not publicize either Tuesday's "United Against Racism" rally or the button distribution well enough.