"Silence equals death" and "Penn State supports ignorance" -- these are some of the slogans the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance said they will shout at a protest tomorrow in response to the University administration's refusal to address its concerns.

The protest, which will be held at noon on the steps of Old Main, has two purposes, said Josh Grannell, LGBSA's educational committee chairman. Demonstrators said they hope to raise LGBSA's concerns to the administration and the student body.

Last month, LGBSA members announced the initiation of Project TEACH! to ask the University administration to take more responsibility in providing education on homophobia and heterosexism. In addition, they asked for a University office and staff position to address lesbian, gay and bisexual concerns.

Upon initiating Project TEACH!, LGBSA members said they would not conduct Straight Talks, discussions they sponsor to educate University classes on gay issues. The group has also forwarded requests for Straight Talks programs to the office of the vice provost for educational equity.

LGBSA members also asked for responses of their demands from University President Joab Thomas and James Stewart, vice provost for educational equity, by March 4. Thomas replied in a letter to LGBSA co-directors on March 2.

In the letter, Thomas outlined the responsibilities and budget of the office of the vice provost for educational equity, which serves all underrepresented groups at the University. He wrote that the University is working hard to continue and to improve the vice provost's office services, despite budget challenges.

Thomas asked LGBSA to work with the University administration and continue to take advantage of existing services and programs that are now available.

Stewart said he has not responded yet because his office is still in the process of determining the best way to address LGBSA's concerns.

After the protest, LGBSA will wait to see what the office of the vice provost plans to do, said Gus Scheerbaum, LGBSA's social/educational co-director.