The 1999 Framework To Foster Diversity report will remain confidential.

That was Terrell Jones's message last night to members of the Undergraduate Student Government joint diversity committee.

"This is a situation where you have to trust the forces," Jones, vice pro-vost for educational equity told the group.

The framework, which began in 1998 and continues until 2003, is an extensive plan to strengthen Penn State's efforts in promoting diversity on campus and accelerating the process of the university's transformation into a multicultural organization.

During these five years of analysis, the document aims to develop an inclusive understanding of diversity, create a welcoming campus environment, recruit and retain a diverse student body and workforce, and coordinate organizational change to support these goals.

When asked by senators why students will not be permitted to see the progression of an issue as important as diversity, Jones continued to maintain that the 1999 report is "just not a public document."

"The university agreed to do the assessment and once done, we will put the plans on the web," Jones said.

He added that the 1999 findings will be interspersed in the 2001 report, which will be released on the Internet as a mid-plan assessment late this spring semester.

"I can't imagine why this is being held confidential," said David Davis, Black Caucus Secretary. "I have not spoken to the vice provost for educational equity yet, but I would hope that the university has a reason why they are not showing students these findings."

Jones also stressed to the senate committee its responsibility to create more opportunities for people of different races and ethnicities to communicate.

"We are in worse shape now then 15 years ago when talking about diversity at this campus," he said.

Jones also urged the group to "cross lines" and meet with other student organizations.

Senate Diversity Committee Chair Rob Michaels, who is also one of three USG representatives involved in the framework process, said that he contacted different campus organizations including Allies and Black Caucus, and several religious groups at the beginning of the semester, but has not yet heard back from any.

"We are going to hopefully start working together," he said.

Regarding keeping the 1999 report private, Michaels believes since this document affects every student on campus, it should be made available.

"This is public information and we, as students, have a right to know," he said.