The Commission on Racial/Ethnic Diversity (CORED) met yesterday to discuss ways to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to Penn State on Jan. 21, 1965.

Penn State President Graham Spanier asked for CORED's recommendations on ways to memorialize King's historic speech at Rec Hall, said Mahmoud Ablan, student issues management team co-chair.

"It was historic because we are a north state," Ablan said. "To a crowd of thousands, he made this speech at Rec Hall."

Many suggestions for a commemoration are being considered, including a statue.

"A lot of students want an actual statue," Ablan said. "Something very visible for everyone to see."

The Black Caucus requested the erection of a statue of King in a list of requests aimed at ending racism on campus. However, in an official response to the group, Vice President for Student Affairs Vicky Triponey and Vice Provost of Educational Equity Terrell Jones said the King family had placed restrictions on the image and asked CORED for other commemoration suggestions.

A statue of King at Rec Hall, which would be placed across the street from the Nittany Lion Shrine, has the potential to be seen as a unified entrance to Penn State, Ablan said.

Associate Vice Provost for Educational Equity Thomas Poole said a statue may not be the best option.

"There has been many great speakers, and I don't think the university wants to populate the campus with statues," Poole said.

Some CORED members argued that erecting a statue has the potential to cause controversy.

"I don't like to see a statue for a human being. I would disregard it entirely," CORED member Mohamed Magdy Taha said. "I have no respect for statues."

Poole said the image of King is restricted by King's family and that Poole added Penn State's "formal request [to use the image] would be accompanied by a big check."

CORED has come up with many suggestions, including a blue and white historical marker, of which there are many currently erected in various areas of campus to honor events in the history of the university.

Many CORED members expressed concern that students do not pay attention to the markers.

CORED member Teresa Hilgren said although her curiosity drives her to read the markers, she agrees that many students do not have the time or desire to stop and read them.

Another idea is to construct a sitting area with a reflecting pond or fountain.

"I think a more feasible idea is to have the marker and a sitting area -- like Atherton's grave," Ablan said. "Somewhere to reflect."

Ablan said no monetary estimates have been set. Depending on what is chosen to commemorate the event, CORED, the class gift fund or the Blue and White Society could provide funding.

Ablan said the suggestions will be discussed further at the April 19 CORED meeting, and he expects the idea to be finalized in a timely manner.

"I think the university can do it relatively quickly -- once we decide on what we'll do," he said.

Black Caucus President Ed Smith said that although every idea would be a great way to remember King, the physical presence of a statue sounds particularly impressive.

"Penn State says they have a commitment to the legacy of Dr. King," Smith said. "What better way to have a symbolic representation of his speech here in 1965?"