When the Undergraduate Student Government Senate rejected a proposal for a permanent diversity committee Tuesday night, it was not rejecting the importance of diversity.

Instead, it was rejecting the idea that endless layers of committees and special positions will solve problems or deal with pressing issues.

The executive side of USG already has several positions that focus on diversity. The three cabinet boards most involved with diversity -- multicultural affairs, women's affairs and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender alliance affairs -- are already struggling to find members.

Therefore, Senate is wise to lend its personnel and commitment to the existing structure rather than create a competing one of its own.

Black Caucus President David Davis advocated this move. His suggestion to strengthen the existing cabinet positions was right on target.

The three senators who recommended adding another committee had their hearts in the right place, and it is encouraging that these members are looking for ways Senate can help promote tolerance and diversity at Penn State.

We hope that they will sponsor legislation that will have an impact on the average student.

Senate must show a strong commitment to diversity by all its members, during all its actions. As long as Senate does this, no special Senate diversity committee will be necessary.

In the meantime, we applaud Senate for not diluting its mission by creating committees that don't seem necessary.