More than 800 ISU students have signed their names to a petition to build a multicultural center on campus.

Jason Smolka, junior in electrical engineering, introduced the petition Feb. 5, distributing it among friends and in classes. Smolka is the president of Fraternos Unidos, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and Mexican-American Young Achievers Society.

He intends to make the creation of a multicultural center a priority on the ISU agenda and submit the petition to ISU President Gregory Geoffroy.

“Currently there is no funding or plans for a multicultural center. The petitions are just to show support for a center by the Iowa State community,” Smolka said.

The petition originated at the Multicultural Leadership Summit earlier this year when several groups voiced support for the idea, said Jaquilyn Waddell, senior in psychology and member of Students for Social Justice, a residence hall multicultural organization.

“Everyone was very receptive to the idea,” Waddell said. “Our diversity on campus is growing, and a center like this is extremely important in respecting that.”

Smolka envisions a centrally located building on campus with classrooms and meeting rooms. Simply providing office space for multicultural organizations doesn’t create the sense of community and openness that a separate center would.

“It wouldn’t just be for students of color,” he said.

“There have to be classrooms, so people don’t feel uncomfortable going into the building. It has to be an integral part of the campus,” Smolka said.

The idea for a multicultural center on campus is not new. In 1993 a report on recruitment and retention of minority students suggested the creation of a center.

In 1997, the Government of the Student Body issued a multicultural task force and sent a proposal to then-President Martin Jischke, which then “died,” Smolka said.

“By creating a central location for various organizations and clubs interested in and addressing diversity, we will help to create and maintain an atmosphere of open acceptance and respect of all individuals and groups,” Waddell said. “The multicultural center will help to create a more cohesive, cooperative and unified community within our university.”

Smolka said current budget restraints will make raising funds for a new center difficult, but he said outside funds could be used, as with the new University Honors Building.

“What the multicultural center becomes depends largely upon the support and interest that is shown from the ISU community,” Smolka said.