After being forced to make two presentations for a seat on the University Student Advisory Board within the last three weeks, Latino Caucus' request was denied by a 2 to 1 margin last night.

Board members, who address concerns directly to University administrators, said the group was excluded because the caucus is still organizing and is not ready for membership.

"Their organization is not ready," said Penn State Veteran's Organization member Jay Wilcox. "They're kind of wishy-washy in their organization, and they need to prove themselves a little stronger."

The Undergraduate Student Government Supreme Court approved Latino Caucus' constitution last February, and it currently has 20 active members. However, the caucus represents all 859 hispanic students enrolled in Penn State, said Latino Caucus President Marilyn Cruz.

Cruz said the group needs a USAB seat to expand and effectively voice concerns.

But Association of Residence Hall Students President Melissa Pressler questioned whether a USAB seat should be granted to help solidify the group, or if USAB should wait until the group strenghtens itself before granting it a seat.

Latino Caucus needs a seat now because Latinos have to struggle to make their needs heard, said Latino Caucus member Michael Perez.

"When we have needs, we have to go through a lot of channels," Perez said. "Things get lost in channels."

But USG President J.P. Muir said Latino Caucus should become an umbrella organization for all Hispanic groups before it is given a permanent USAB seat. Muir suggested giving the caucus a temporary seat until groups like the Puerto Rican Student Association officially recognize the caucus as their representation, Muir said.

Currently, other hispanic groups see Latino Caucus as an equal, Perez said. But Latino Caucus is working to become an umbrella organization for them all, Cruz said.

"Our relationship with every Latino organization is a good one, that's why we're here today," Cruz said.

In the next few weeks the caucus will meet to structure itself so that the executive boards of other hispanic groups can bring their concerns to Latino Caucus, Cruz said.

Latino Caucus will petition USAB in the future, Cruz said.