HERSHEY -- The Penn State administration conveyed its anti-racist stance by distributing buttons condemning racism to the University's Board of Trustees, which in turn unanimously approved a resolution to oppose racism and bigotry University-wide at this weekend's meeting.

The board must not remain aloof to racism at the University, said J. Lloyd Huck, president of the board.

"There is no place for (racist) or ethnic acts at the Penn State campus," said Huck, adding, "These (acts) are not only repugnant to people who are on the receiving end, but to all fair-minded people."

The board resolved to condemn "all acts of racism and bigotry at any of Penn State's 22 locations across the commonwealth and endorses swift action by the administration to deal with the perpetrators to the full extent of University regulations and the law."

The document also restated the board's "strong commitment not only to increase minority participation in all aspects of University life, but also to eliminate acts of intolerance toward individuals or groups."

Last month's race-related incidents, which included a verbal assault on five black women by 10 white men, prompted the University community to take actions condemning racism.

The University distributed "United Against Racism" buttons to inform the board members of the administration's and the community's anti-racist stance, said University President Bryce Jordan.

The trustees have been receptive to the buttons and the University's subsequent actions, Jordan said.

Board members each received a button and other amenities, such as pencils and notepads, from the University at the beginning of this weekend's board meeting.

The University distributed 500 buttons about one month ago. On March 14, Peoples National Bank of Central Pennsylvania donated 10,000 buttons for the University's use to demonstrate the business community's concern with racism in the State College area.