"We need a space where groups can talk togetherand have a general discourse on ideas," Redmondsaid, recommending that office for publication,counseling groups, cultural groups and others beclustered by category.

But Jason B. Phillips '99, vice president ofthe Black Students Association (BSA), warnedagainst the "self-segregation" the separate wingsmight promote.

"The last thing [the BSA] would want to do ismove into an `ethnic' wing," he told the audience.

"It will have a stigma," Phillips added afterthe forum ended.

Redmond emphasized that the center would stillbe "an open space" and that the wings weredesigned not to separate student groups but tobring them together.

"I do think creating this space and bringingthese groups together is a great idea," sheexplained, citing the recent Cultural Rhythmsfestival as "a great example of how ethnicorganizations can come together."

Reaction from campus leaders who attended wasgenerally positive, but several said they feltthat there were still issues to be worked out.

"I definitely support the initiative they'retaking," said Tony Yung '00, co-president of theChinese Students Association.

Yung expressed concern about the feasibility ofsome of the council's ideas.

"If you're going to give office space to 241groups... It seems kind of difficult. But I likethe cause," he said.

Phillips agreed.

"It's a good idea," he said. "It just needs tobe more clearly defined.