TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- University of Alabama President Robert E. Witt announced today he is appointing a task force to review the possible need for a multicultural center at the University.

Last semester, some students began informal discussions about the possibility of establishing such a center. After an incident occurred Jan. 14 involving a racial slur, student leaders asked University officials to more seriously consider the need for a multicultural center.

The task force’s charge will be to identify what should be done to enhance appreciation of diversity on campus and what role a multicultural center could play in that process.

“I have asked Dr. Margaret King, vice president of student affairs, to assemble and chair the task force and to begin work on the issue as soon as possible,” Witt said. “The task force will be charged with reviewing the support needs of minority and international students and the institution’s overall efforts to promote diversity as well as awareness and appreciation of cultural differences.”

“In the past, I understand that the University has tried to address these issues through an integrated system of support rather than separate offices for majority and minority students. The advantage of this approach is that diversity and inclusiveness remain everyone’s responsibility,” said King, who joined The University of Alabama in December. “We welcome an open discussion and will conduct the necessary research to see how other institutions have addressed the issue as well as studying the unique situation we have on this campus.”

UA is a leader in the enrollment of African-American students among southern flagship institutions with 13 percent African American enrollment. UA enrolls some 900 international students each year from over 75 different countries. More than 500 Hispanic, Asian and American Indian students also study at the Capstone.

“We have had success in recruiting a diverse population of students to the University, and we want to make certain they have the support mechanisms in place to continue to be successful students, graduates and involved alumni after they graduate,” Witt said.