Members of the University's Hispanic population are tired of being an "invisible minority" and have formed a new student organization to unite their community and expose their concerns.

The Latino Caucus will hold an informative meeting at 7 tonight in 2 White Building.

"We lack recognition," said President Maribel Gonzalez. "We've been lost in the term 'minority.' "

American images of Latinos have been incorrectly shaped by stereotypes portrayed in movies and on television, said caucus member Dr Torres.

"We're always the guy stealing the bicycle," he said.

Another American misconception believes all Hispanics have the same background, said member Dan LaSalle. He added he has met people who "don't know the difference between a Cuban and a Puerto Rican."

But for the most part, "there is no image" of Latinos in Americans' minds, LaSalle said.

"I don't know how white Americans view us," he said.

And many Latino students are unaware of each other, with no way to associate with students of similar backgrounds, he said.

"Once a student comes to Penn State, we want to show him or her that they are not alone," he said.

Although the group has no formal agenda yet, members plan to increase the resources available to the University's Latino students, Gonzalez said.

For example, some members would like to see more advisers familiar with Latino concerns, increased curriculum integration and a lounge for Latino students, she said.

"We don't want to be presumptuous, she said, "This is a group for the Latinos, by the Latinos and of the Latinos."